The Royal Canadian Family Circus and its international cast of performers are coming to CrossIron Mills for seven shows, running June 15 through 17. As a part of its cross-country tour, the troupe of daredevils, acrobats, jugglers and other performers will set up in a big top in the CrossIron Mills parking lot. It's a traditional circus that’s already been lighting up the West Coast, according to Cathy Sproule, director of marketing for the circus. “It’s pure entertainment,” she said. “You don’t see many kids in the big top looking at their cell phones.” Two highlights from the line-up are Joseph Bauer, a daredevil and ringmaster who represents the ninth generation of circus performers in his family, and the Guerrero 4 Man High Wire, a husband-and-wife team who perform stunts with four other wire-walkers. Part of the “traditional” circus involves keeping up the norm of traveling generational performers and families. “The performers grew up in the circus,” Sproule said. “They started learning their trade and their skills when they were young children. Everyone you see in the circus – they were born into the ring.” Bauer, for example, began performing with his parents at the age of three, according to Sproule. As did Martin Gonzales – a fifth-generation Puerto Rican performer – who puts on an aerial strap show with his wife. Other performances include Tommy Tequila, a juggling act; the Chinese Acrobats; the Bilea Transformation Quick Change Act; the Tarzan Zerbini Dancers and Aerialists; and the S. Caleb Corinchi-asch Equestrians and Acrobats – who were in the film The Greatest Showman. Many continue the generational-family narrative. “They’re traditional families performing for families,” Sproule said. The circus will take place June 15 at 7 p.m., June 16 at noon, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and June 17 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sproule said a final show will be added at 7 p.m., due to demand. General admission is $25, but readers can use the promo code “SPECTAC” to receive two tickets for the price of one. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit royalcanadiancircus.ca
