Circus coming to Wellington

Skeeter the clown will visit Wellington on June 16 to warm up the community for the June 24 arrival of the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus.

Wellington residents will see Skeeter in a variety of places, including the senior center between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., public library at 10:30 a.m., Wellington Community Church at 12:15 p.m., and the Boys & Girls Club at 1:30 p.m. She might be seen in stores, walking down the street or handing out the official Culpepper & Merriweather Circus coloring contest sheets.

Skeeter is a graduate of the Ringling Clown College and has spent much of the last 25 years traveling around the country. Her clown program educates students and community members about what a day in the life of a clown is really all about. She spends time talking about the different types of clowns and the history of the circus.

Sponsored by the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce, the circus will set up next to Rice Elementary School on the south side of town on June 24. Visitors are welcome to stop by during the raising of the Big Top, approximately 9:30 to 10 a.m., and stay for a free tour.

In recent years the tent raising and morning tour have become a popular program for families and interested community members. It is presented in a way everyone, young and old, can learn about the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus Family. The presentation also addresses topics such as hygiene, grooming and the veterinary care the animals receive.

The midway and box office will open at 4 p.m., offering pony rides, Moonbounce and concessions.

Circus performances start at 5 and 7:30 p.m.

This year's lineup includes Miss Simone and her amazing single trapeze, Miss April on the Rola Bola, Miss Paulina's Feathered Friends, the Arlise Troupe on their wild and crazy unicycles, Quick Change Artistry by the Tepox Duo, and the performing Jungle Cats presented by Trey Key.

Advance tickets are available at Main Street Market, Warren Federal Credit Union, The Chocolate Rose, Video Games, Finish Line Awards, Cantina Liquors and Points West Community Bank. Prices for advance tickets are $6 for ages 2 to 12 and $9 for adults. Children under 2 are admitted free. On show day, tickets will be $12 for adults and $7 for children.