Old-time big top means lots of nostalgic family fun

Circus Vidbel, an authentic one-ring, old time big top traveling circus, will be performing at the Sparta Mohawk Ave. School Field in Sparta, NJ on Saturday Oct. 10 for 3 scheduled shows. The shows will be held at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. During performances under the big top, Ringmaster and Performance Director Ian Garden will introduce the audience to several traditional and unusual circus acts including Suzanne Vidbel in an aerial cloud swing display, the Ashton Family in an extraordinary display of foot juggling featuring 3-year-old Little Miss Cheyenne, and the Alvarez Family’s teeter board act. There will also be plenty of traditional circus clowns. Poppy, the master clown, will perform comedy, juggling and extraordinary displays of balance and much, much more. New this year, a pop concert before the show This year Music Director Mike Ashton will perform a free bonus pop music concert for ticket holders in the circus tent before the show begins, so arrive 45 minutes early to enjoy this treat. The circus appearance in Sparta this year is a benefit for Boy Scout Troop 150. Up to 40 percent of proceeds from advance ticket sales for the live Vidbel performances will benefit the boys of Troop 150. All those interested in attending the circus are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance of show day, so the Boy Scouts can realize their greatest profit. Come watch the circus set up Circus Day in the mid-1800’s was viewed as a holiday by most schools and businesses in the U.S. Everyone took the day off to see the circus. People are invited to watch the Vidbel “Big Top” go up at 9 a.m. on Oct. 10, the animals get fed and preparations made for the performances later in the day. Performance and ticket information Circus Vidbel’s Oct. 10 performances in Sparta are scheduled for 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Mohawk Ave. School Field. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $8 each at Rita’s Italian Ice in Sparta, Ailish’s Alpine Paint Center in Sparta, the dental office of Drs. Panicucci and Ouimette in Sparta or by calling 973-809-4846. Advance ticket sales will provide the greatest benefit to Troop 150 (tickets at the door are $10 but less of the proceeds will go to the troop). Children under 2 are admitted free. For information call 973-809-4846.