Circus Delights And Raises Funds

Families from Fort Branch and the surrounding area spent a magical night under a bright, blue and white circus top on April 25. The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus delighted the young and old that evening at Fort Branch Community Park. The circus not only provided fun and astonishment; it also supported the students of Holy Cross, Sts. Peter and Paul, and St. James Catholic Schools.

The Sts. Peter and Paul Knights of Columbus Council 2215 invited the circus to perform as part of a fundraising effort for the schools.

The priests of Holy Cross, Fort Branch, Sts. Peter and Paul, Haubstadt, and St. Bernard, Snake Run, Pastor Father Tony Ernst and Associate Pastor Father Brian Emmick, served as guest ringmasters. The circus performed full shows at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The extraordinary circus featured various talent of the mind-blowing kind – a unicycling family from Canada sitting on unicycles taller than they were; a young contortionist who could position her body in startling postures; six little dogs that could climb ladders and jump through hoops; a lady with a stunning balancing act; a man who could jump rope, dance and ride the unicycle on a tight rope; and much more!

Two tigers and a lion started off the show with a thrill of danger as they jumped onto podiums. Leo the clown brought the laughs and wide grins as he drove onto the stage in a tiny car and entertained the crowd with silly tricks. 

It was a beautiful night – full of wonder – and the children had a wonderful time as they licked the cotton candy from their fingers and tightly held onto plastic balloon characters. It was a successful fundraiser for the schools and a memorable night for all in attendance.

Many thanks to Knights Council 2215 for showing such generous support for the education of the future Church.