Shrine Circus visits Laredo

The circus is in town! Neon lights, sequin leotards, exotic animals and incredible acrobatic acts took place at the Laredo Energy Arena this past Sept. 15 and 16. The public could attend with a $20 admission fee and kids could attend for free with a coupon available at various locations throughout the city.

An hour before the show started, the public was invited to join the circus "pre-party," where spectators could ride the ponies and elephants, enjoy face painting, meet and greet some of the circus celebrities, take pictures with the gypsy and a large boa, and enjoy the inflatable rides. Attendees could appreciate remarkable wardrobes like tight bustiers, long skirts and other colorful garments. Children wearing their best sparkling outfits contributed to the circus theme. The attendants of the rides wore slick tight garments with the addition of bright accessories, different colored sequin jumpsuits, dazzling red cardigans. The gypsy would leave children with their mouths wide open once they noticed the 6 to 8 ft. long boa she held around her neck; the public could take pictures with this boa as well.

The public was able to enjoy traditional circus meals and snacks such as buttery popcorn, cotton candy, raspas of different flavors, hot dogs, and much more. Spectators could buy different glow in the dark artifacts such as, glow sticks, swords and guns that would change colors. Other souvenirs available included stuffed animals and balloons at the beginning or ending of the show.

As the announcer enthusiastically let the public know the show was about to begin, the public seemed to grow impatient to see the wonders the circus had to offer. As the lights dimmed down and the hot pink, green neon colored lights lit the arena, the circus attendants made their entrance to officially begin the show. Dancers descended from the ceiling hanging on ropes, clowns juggling, and hula dancers started the event. The show ran its course with the presentation of the Bengal and white Siberian tigers, followed by other acts that included elephants and dogs. Then, nerve-racking acts were showcased to the public, like when an acrobat walked above a spinning iron wheel without being secured to it or there being any safety precautions on the bottom to soften the fall.

The circus showcased exotic animals, dangerous acrobatic acts, and traditional circus food. For more information on future events such as this, the public can visit the Laredo Energy Arena webpage.

(Neguif Angeles may be reached at neguif.angeles@dusty.tamiu.edu)