Circus comes to town

From staff reports

The Empire Sleeping Bear Eagles have signed a contract with the Kelly Miller Circus for an all-new show this summer. The circus will roll into town on Wednesday, August 19, following a one-year hiatus. Everyone is invited to come out and watch the animals being unloaded and fed, and the elephants raising the big top. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. when the tent is raised.

The traditional “old style” circus will present two performances at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Folks are welcome to ride the elephants and other animals before, after and during the intermission. Support the Empire Eagles — buy your tickets in advance and save.

The 2009 season promises to be more exciting than ever with many new acts and entertainers to amaze and amuse you. Come out and enjoy a day of fun-filled excitement at the circus.

Of the Kelly Miller Circus’ visit two years ago, Empire Village employee Darlene Friend remembers most how much her grandson, three years old at the time, enjoyed riding the elephant. Approximately 500 happy people, many of them locals, took in the circus in 2007.

The event will take place at the Eagles’ property on M-72, six miles west of Empire where the Dunegrass Festival was held earlier this month. Tickets are available at Gemma’s in Empire, Benchwarmers in Maple city, the Cottage Bookshop in Glen Arbor, Michigan and the Foothills Cafe in Burdickville.