WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The circus is back in town in Luzerne County as it makes its return to the place it's called home for decades.
It’s called the Sphere of Fear, with two daredevils zooming inside even upside down. It’s an act that Ring Master Billy Martin says will put you on the edge of your seat. And it's all part of the Irem Shrine Circus.
“That’s the best thing, when you can feel the audience, the family coming in on that circus adventure, it’s like nothing else.”
Between a balance beam acrobat, jugglers, and roller skaters, there’s nothing short of entertainment.
“The circus is a lifetime of practice, where all these different artists find their specialty, what they like to do, and they hone in on it and train, and what you see is the finished product,t and it’s really something.”
The circus running through Sunday is celebrating its 74th year, now back at the 109th Kingston Armory after relocating last year due to renovations.
With nearly 5,000 seats in the armory, there’s not a bad one in the house. Whether you’re watching an act in one of the three rings or one up in the sky.
But it’s a circus with a purpose: Keeping the prices affordable for seats, souvenirs, and food, Jeffrey Pace says all the money raised goes toward the Irem uniformed units that transport children to and from the hospital for free.
"We might be up at our garage at 5 o’clock in the morning, go to pick the child up, and then take them down for their appointment.”
Bringing joy to those watching the circus and those they serve.
“We want the children to be able to leave here this week with memories to last a lifetime.”
The Irem Shrine Circus goes through Sunday, and tickets start at just $8.
