EAST LONGMEADOW — Children of all ages get ready for some family friendly fun. On May 11, there’ll be a show circus at East Longmeadow High School, 180 Maple St. Doors will open at 10 a.m. Free balloon creations by Brie’s Balloons and popcorn will be available for purchase before the show begins at 11 a.m.
The show will be performed by the professional and amateur performers of Show Circus Studio, a circus training facility in Easthampton that opened in 2009 providing classes, workshops and professional training in the circus arts. As a recreational circus school, they teach adult, teen, and youth classes in aerial arts such as trapeze, fabric and lyra. As well as juggling, acrobatics, tumbling, tight wire, stilt walking and unicycling.
This event is supported in part by a grant from the East Longmeadow Cultural Council, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, and sponsored by Pleasant View Senior Center, the East Longmeadow Recreation Department and the East Longmeadow Campus of Care.
Program and Volunteer Coordinator Alicia Smith for Pleasant View Senior Center said, “Our main goal is bringing the community together. Anything our town departments can do that does that is a win in our eyes and anytime our department can work together is another win for us.”
East Longmeadow Recreation Director Donna Prather added, “Our rec department offers many youth sports, so I’m always excited to get something that brings a different opportunity.”
For two years, the Senior Center has hosted an event called the Little E — its version of the Big E — which usually takes place in September. During those two years, the center has worked with SHOW Circus Studio where they have brought in one of their performers to come and perform for an hour during the event. From there, the center found out Show Circus offers a full show. They spoke with them along with the Recreation Department and decided it would be worthwhile to try to get it here. Smith and Prather have been told that the high school can seat up to 700 people and they’re currently at 246.
“This event is important for the town to have because it is a way to bring the community together,” said Smith. “Events like this are special for that reason. It offers a safe and fun experience for families and individuals of all ages to enjoy together. We hope those who come will leave feeling happy and lighthearted.”
Order free tickets at ticketstripe.com/SHOWCircus2024.
