TOLEDO, Ohio — For 72 years, the Zenobia Shrine Circus has dazzled crowds while raising money for a good cause. In 2024, the circus is back in T-Town, with seven shows over the St. Patrick's Day weekend.
"The circus in America alone is older than baseball," Circus Ringmaster Timothy Tegge said. "It's older than Coca-Cola. The circus is about as American as you can get."
The event, which will be held at the Glass City Center in downtown Toledo, is the primary fundraiser for the Zenobia Shriners branch based in Perrysburg. Circus director Boyd E. Durain said 100% of the proceeds raised from the circus stay right here in northwest Ohio to help the Zenobia Shriners continue their mission of having fun and caring for children and families in need.
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In partnership with The Royal Hanneford Circus, many of the performers in town for the show come together for only this event, meaning every year the circus is a different experience.
"You may have the same ring announcer and one or two of the original people, but a lot of the will be different people doing something different year after year," Durain said.
Though younger generations have gotten used to seeing amazing stunts and daring feats online, organizers said there is nothing like seeing these performers show off their amazing talents in person.
"You're down on the floor, you can see the acts in person, shake their hands, get autographs and take pictures with them," Durain said.
With so much variety in performances, there should be something for everyone to enjoy.
"The circus in America is kind of the last thing that's out there to do for all ages, for all races, for all creeds. So there truly is something for everybody here," Tegge said. "So you can bring 2-year-old Suzie to the show, and you can bring your 98-year old-grandma to the show. There's something for everybody here."
The first circus performance is Thursday at 6:30, with one show Friday, three on Saturday, and two on Sunday. For tickets and more information, click here.