The traveling Culpepper and Merriweather Circus came to Atlanta, Illinois, on Thursday, September 2. This was a great event sponsored by the city of Atlanta for both the locals and tourists alike. The event was set up at the Atlanta ballfields in the morning. Guests were able to come by and see the raising the Big Top and then take a free tour learning all about the performers, the animals, and the history of the C&M Circus.

Later in the evening were two showtimes at 5 and 7:30pm. The tent was filled to capacity with excited onlookers in anticipation of this unique show. The family-friendly event featured clowns, unicyclists, aerialists, daredevils, big cats, birds, and horses. Pony rides, three inflatables, face painting, concessions, and souvenirs were even available.

When Liam Krause, age 3, was asked what his favorite part was, he said it was the cockatoo that was playing basketball and the clowns. “The clown was washing dishes and he swings the plates on his magic thing and one fell down and the plate was small. It was funny.” Emeree Eimer, age 3, also thought the clowns were funny. “The clown was in this really little car, and he was really tall and he had a stick in his hat and then he got his hat on his foot and he hopped on one foot and then he couldn’t see!” Emeree giggled with lots of excitement. Her favorite part was the rainbow inflatable slide. “I went on that rainbow slide, and it was fun.” Elise Robison said the circus was really captivating for both the young kids and the kids at heart. It was an evening full of fun and laughter. It was something much needed and enjoyed during this pandemic time.