WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — More about a long-standing, local family tradition that will not happen this year. As 28/22 News first reported Thursday, the Irem Shrine Circus is canceled.
Organizers blame extensive renovations underway at their venue site the Kingston Armory. Roughly 59,000 people attend the week-long circus featuring animals and performers.
Organizers considered other options but that proved to be too problematic and cost prohibitive. Organizers were counting on the circus fundraiser to help provide free shriners hospital care to kids in need.
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"The circus is one of several large fundraising events that we do each year. It's probably either the largest or the second largest in terms of money that we are able to generate. so, it's a big deal for us," said Jim Gallagher potentate at Irem Shrine
"I have kids that would have probably loved to have gone to that and I can't so that kind of stinks, you know?" said Solanna Dommer from Nanticoke.
Local Shriners say they plan to have some tribute band concerts and other possible fundraising events this year.
They hope the circus will return next year provided the Kingston Armory is ready to have them back.
