SKEETER THE CLOWN, Larry the Lion and ringmaster and Lions member Kim Schuster recently visited Wee Care Daycare & Preschool in Niagara, Wis., to promote the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus. Shown are Bayler Pietrantonio, Grayson Stec, Annabelle Brasure, Addilynn Stec, Audrey Pete, Rylee Smiltneek, Eli Jones, Kayden Carter and Vayda Pascoe. (Submitted photo)

NIAGARA, Wis. — The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is coming to Niagara’s Heights Park on Monday with 90-minute performances at 5 and 7:30 p.m.

They will have a new 2023 show featuring big cats, presented by Trey Key; aerialist Simone on the trapeze; 10th-generation Loyal Bareback Horse Riders; the Perez Daredevil Duo on the tightrope; Wheel of Destiny; Elizabeth Ayala’s foot juggling and hair hang; and circus clowns.

This is the second time the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus has been in Niagara, said Dan Decker, treasurer of the Niagara Lions Club, which is sponsoring the event.

“They contacted City Hall and asked if any organizations would be interested in sponsoring the event, so we agreed to be a sponsor,” Decker said. “We help them sell tickets in advance and publicize with posters. We help promote the event.”

He added, “It’s a small circus, not a lot of animals, mostly aerial and acrobats. It’s a fun little show.”

Advance tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children 2 to 12 or senior citizens older than 65. Prices Monday will be $16 for adults, $9 for children and senior citizens, with tickets going on sale an hour before each performance.

Advance tickets are available in Niagara at Nicolet Bank, Forward Financial Credit Union, Northwoods IGA, Tripp’s Tavern, Pit Stop Bar & Grill, Uptown Lanes; and in Quinnesec at Big 10 Sports Bar & Grill. Advance sales end Sunday.

The Lions Club receives a larger portion of advance ticket sales, Decker noted.

This circus has been providing family entertainment for 37 years. The one-ring big top circus has been featured on the A&E Special “Under the Big Top,” Nick News’ “On the Road with Circus Kids” and most recently OETA Video’s “Big Top Town.”

Tent raising starts at 9:30 a.m. Monday. The public is invited to watch the big top go up and will get a behind-the-scenes tour. They will also learn about life on the road and how they care for their animals.

The midway opens at 4 p.m. and features pony rides, moon bounce, a giant slide, face painting and concession stand. Tickets are not needed for the midway. The box office also opens at that time.

The Lions Club has a long history of sponsoring events in Niagara. They have about 50 members, with 15 to 18 core active members who do a lot of the work, Decker said. They put on the annual picnic at the end of June and will sponsor the Mud Runs in Aurora, Wis., on Sunday, Aug. 13.