Circus brings young, old under big top

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Thursday, July 24, 2008

Men and women in the sunset of their lives — including residents of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls — watched intently as younger kids rode elephants and ponies prior to the start of the Birak Shrine Circus Wednesday afternoon at the community ice arena building in Fergus Falls.

“It’s a fun time for everyone,” said Shriner Stan Fetters who served 18 years, from 1982 to 2000, as circus chairman. “It’s wonderful to see the veterans and people of all ages having a good time.”

Shriner Kirby Norman, the current circus chairman, said the circus usually draws about 4,800 people to Fergus Falls for the combined four shows (this year 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday). That breaks down to about 1,200 attendees per show.

“We’re pleased with that total number, which has been consistent the past several years,” said Norman whose chief assistant is Shriner Gene Kelm. “We’re pleased anytime we can draw close to 5,000 people over a two-day period.”

Coming to the circus for the first time were John Salvevold of Battle Lake and his two sons, Rayne, 9, and River, 5.

“This is a great atmosphere,” Salvevold said. “The boys had a fun time riding the elephant before the show. I know when the circus is over they’ll say they had a great time.”

Those sentiments were shared by Jen Petersen who took her kids and the friend of the family to the Birak Shrine Circus Wednesday afternoon.

“We’ve been here (to the circus) before, we’re having fun today and I’m sure we’ll be back next year,” said Petersen.

Her daughter, Katelyn, 11, son Caleb, 9, and their friend Kaden Peterson, 6, rode an elephant before the circus acts got underway at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Later, Katelyn walked alongside her younger sister, Sloanne, 3, who rode a pony before the big event got underway.

“These kids will remember the circus for many years to come,” Petersen said.

Once the elephant and pony rides ceased, people waited patiently for the start of the circus — with anticipation for the various performers, clowns and other Birak Circus attractions.

Tickets were on sale in area towns, and buses are making stops in those communities to transport kids to the circus. Masons members have been busy helping sell tickets in the various communities throughout Otter Tail County.

“We all work together,” Fetters said. “It’s a lot of work, but well worth it when you see people of all ages enjoying themselves.”

Shriners use circus proceeds from all across the nation to provide free orthopedic and burn care at various hospitals throughout the United States. Shriners, auxiliary members and Masons all do their part to make the circus an annual success in Fergus Falls and in other communities.