Shrine Circus celebrates 'Circus with a Purpose'

Date: 4/19/2010

WEST SPRINGFIELD Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.Western Massachusetts' most anticipated annual circus event will soon be here once again! On April 29, family entertainment at its best will arrive at the Eastern States Coliseum in West Springfield as the Melha Shriners present their 2010 Melha Shrine Circus. The box office, which is located at the Eastern States Coliseum, opened April 17. The box office will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On performance days the box office will remain open until 9 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased online through April 28 at www.melhashrinecircus.com.

This year's circus theme, "Circus with a Purpose," focuses on how all proceeds from the circus stay here in the community. Last year's turnout boasted thousands of families who came to enjoy the circus and the quality entertainment that local residents look forward to year after year. As always, the Shrine Circus will help to support an important cause; proceeds of the event go towards the good work of the Melha Shriners in your community.

Two nationally known acts will perform at this year's circus. Jennifer "The Cannon Lady" Smith will blast out of a 27 foot barrel cannon into the air. In less than a half second, she'll accelerate to more than 45 miles per hour, shooting 40 feet into the air and 82 feet across the arena floor.

In addition, Barry Lubin, also known as "Grandma the Clown," will entertain the crowd with his hilarious acts. Lubin was recently inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame. A physical comedian and clown, Lubin has been featured in 15 productions of the Big Apple Circus and has become that company's Director of Clowning.

In addition, the Melha Shriners are also thrilled to announce that Manny's TV & Appliance is once again helping to subsidize the cost of the annual Community Service Show. Each year, the Shriners have dedicated a special performance to less fortunate members of our community. This performance is called the "Manny's Community Service Performance." This performance has a special significance for the community as well as the Shriners, who see this as a way of giving something back to the community for the support they receive for their circus efforts.

The "Manny's Community Service Performance" is a tangible manifestation of what can occur when people with generous hearts and a commitment to those less fortunate get together to support such a noble cause. For this special performance, no tickets are sold to the public. Every single ticket all 4,800 of them are given away free of charge to a host of human services agencies throughout the greater Springfield and Western Massachusetts area. The Shriners receive almost 10,000 requests for these tickets each year and they do their best to try to accommodate as many different organizations as possible.

As always, the Shrine Circus will help to support an important cause; proceeds of the event go towards the good work of the Melha Shriners in your community. The Shriners thank you for your support and are excited to celebrate "Circus with a Purpose."

The dates for the circus are April 29 through May 2 with seven gala performances. All general reserved seats are $12 at the box office, which can be purchased for only $8 with a Big Y four pack coupon. Box seats are $17 (no discounts apply for box seats). In addition, all $12 seats for the 10 a.m. performance on May 1 will be sold for $8 without the need for a coupon. For more information about the circus, visit www.melhashrinecircus.com. Phone orders are also being accepted now by calling 205-5087.