Circus coming to Maricopa Thursday

The Maricopa Optimist Club is bringing the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus back to town Thursday, April 16.

The acts under the big top have visited Maricopa every other spring for years. The circus made its last stop here in April 2007.

According to Optimist Club Vice President Grace Gomez, the show will once again be held in the Ak-Chin Community near the recreation center on Farrell Road. Residents can take in the clowns, animal acts and trapeze artists at either 5 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.

Besides providing good, old-fashioned entertainment for families and friends, the Optimists also aim to provide circus tickets for needy children in the area. In the present economy the club has had to work hard to garner additional support from local businesses. Residents can still sponsor a ticket to the circus for a needy child by calling Gomez at 520-568-9407.

Advance ticket prices for the circus are $8 for those 13 years old and above and $6 for children 2-12. Those tckets may be purchased at the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce, 44870 W. Hathaway Ave. (next to the post office).

Tickets will be $8 for children and $11 for adults the day of the show.

If you go:

What: Culpepper and Merriweather Circus (sponsored by Maricopa Optimist Club)
When: Thursday, April 16; shows at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Next to the recreation center on Farrell Rd. in the Ak-Chin Community
Cost: Presale tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children, $11 for adults and $8 for children at the gate.

Submitted photo