'Scaled-down' Irem Shrine Circus set for May 9-12 in Dallas

Apr. 3—DALLAS — The 73rd Irem Shrine Circus will be scaled-down version at a new location, but organizers promise "the show will go on."

John Richards, Irem Shrine Circus Chairman, said the "Billy Martin presents the Cole All Star Circus" will be held May 9-12 at the Irem Shrine Center pavilion in Dallas.

Tickets go on sale April 15, and will cost $10 for ages 15 and over; and $5 for ages 14 and younger.

"We hope to have seating for 500 people per show," Richards said. "Everybody will have a clear view of the show."

Richards said seven shows are planned, including the final day, May 12, which is Mother's Day.

"We will have two rings — one on our stage in the pavilion and the other on the floor," Richards said. "Everybody performing has been part of the Shrine Circus in the past, this is just a scaled-down version."

And Richards said all performers will be humans — no animals.

Richards said the circus will feature aerial acts, unicyclists and more, with favorite food items like cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, water, soda, pizza and more.

Richards said money raised from the circus is to cover administrative costs of Irem uniformed units and vehicles. He said that allows the Irem Shrine to go out and participate in fundraisers to support the mission of Shriners. He said a golf tournament this summer will raise money that will be used to transport children to Shriners' hospitals for treatment.

Billy Martin presents Cole Brothers All Star Circus at Irem Shrine Center:

70 Ridgway Dr., Dallas, PA

Dates:

May 9 — 7 p.m.

May 10 — 7 p.m.

May 11 — 11 a.m.; 3 p.m.' 7 p.m.

May 12 — 2 p.m.; 6 p.m.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.