Above: Pretty common, as circuses go.

Your inner child is beckoning, so go ahead and follow the sparkling spotlights to the Big Top of the annual Mehara Shrine Circus. The stunning ring mistress Miss Audrey Michelle will be there to greet you, along with the welcoming aroma of buttery popcorn, shiny balloons, and the spark of excitement in the air. Be dazzled by the famous Marinof Duo, from Romania, who make a fool of gravity with an aerial act that won a gold metal at Monte Carlo’s International Circus Festival. Johnny the Clown and his comedy puppy will gladly split your sides with laughter, while the beautiful Nancy widens your eyes with her contortion act, and the Rootin’ Tootin’ Cowgirls drop your jaw with their three aerial webs. From impressive feats of juggling, trapeze, high wire, and teeterboard stunts featuring performers from all over the world, to performing sheep dogs, elephants, ferocious tigers, and colorful ponies, you will not be disappointed. All of these sensational shows lead up to a spine-tingling grand finale – a salute to the USA by the entire cast that publicist Linda Stokes says “makes you so proud of your country.” What a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon or evening with family and friends. “You don’t have to be a child to enjoy the circus; it’s for people of all ages,” says Stokes. “I have never seen anyone not enjoy it."

Mehara Shrine Circus • June 15-17 • Dunn County Rec Park, Menomonie (June 15) and Carson Park, Eau Claire (June 16-17) • 7:30pm all dates, 3pm on June 15, 11am on June 16-17 • $14 adults, $12 children • all ages • 838-9222 • www.zorshriners.com