Rotary Club brings the circus to town

Jefferson — The Rotary Club of Jefferson/Sparta is bringing the Kelly Miller Circus to Jefferson to entertain children of all ages.
The circus will roll into town on Thursday, June 22. The day starts bright and early with the arrival of the circus to Fireman’s Field on Route 15 South where everyone is invited to come and watch the animals being unloaded and fed and witness the raising of the giant big top at 9 am. Guides will be furnished for school groups and anyone attending.
This traditional “old style” circus will present two performances later on in the day at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available by calling Russ at 973-202-8726 or in person at Lakeland Bank at 350 North Main Street in Wharton and 250 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge and at Rose City Framemakers at 19 Main Street in Sparta. Tickets cost $8 for children and $16 for adults. Group discounts are available. Sponsorships of groups are encouraged by the Rotary to bring underprivileged kids, families and community groups to the show. Community groups include school sports teams, boy and girl-scout troops, senior groups, church group and the such. To sponsor a group, please call Russ at 973-202-8726.
Started in 1938 by Obert Miller and his sons, Kelly and Dory, the Al G. Kelly Miller Brothers Circus, now known simply as Kelly Miller, has entertained millions of American and Canadian citizens while establishing itself in the fabric and history of the American Tented Circus.
The Miller Family devoted their lives to their circus and through talent and hard work built it into America’s 2nd largest big top show. They introduced hundreds of new circus artists to the American public and countless innovations in circus operation. From the very beginning they insisted that their circus maintain high standards and be welcomed back to communities year after year.
From 1984 through 2006, David Rawls, president and third generation circus performer and manager directed the Kelly Miller Circus. In 2007, another exciting chapter in its history began when the show was purchased by John Ringling North II. Mr. North’s great uncles were the famous Ringling Brothers, his grandmother, their only sister. Born into this most famous of circus families, John grew up on the “Greatest Show on Earth”, learning circus operation from his father Henry Ringling North, and Uncle John Ringling North. He is dedicated to the circus, always seeking ways to improve it. Mr. North can be seen at most performances watching the show with a critical eye.
The Kelly Miller Circus has gathered a galaxy of stars from many nations, as well as an exotic display of animals, enhanced them with beautiful theatrical lighting and lively circus music for a performance to warm the hearts of young and old alike.
From the early morning hours, when the big top is raised into the air, to the very moment when the king pole races to the ground at the end of the day, you the public are invited to come and be a part of the magic of “Circus Day” as it has been experienced for over 200 years!
The Rotary Club of Jefferson/Sparta is hosting this event to bring families together for a fun filled day and to raise monies for their various charitable donations. The Rotary has been continually serving Jefferson and Sparta since 1965.