The WKVI studios had two special guests this week in preparation for the upcoming circus event in Knox. Two circus clowns, Carlee and Charley, visited Tom Berg in the studio to give a sneak peek of the upcoming event.
Carlee explained that the Kelly Miller Circus will be coming to town on Aug. 29, and she says it’s going to be quite the show.
“We like to let people know that when the circus comes to town, we don’t fool around,” Carlee said. “We don’t just bring one, don’t just bring two, we bring three of them. Three elephants come with the Kelly Miller Circus! But those aren’t the only animals we have, no. It’s three elephants, four camels, five tigers, six ponies, seven performing puppy dogs, and a zebra!”
Carlee and Charley have been performing clowns for more than 18 years, having previously performed at circuses in Florida before hitting the road with the Kelly Miller Circus. In addition to those animals, the circus will also feature acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, clowns, pirates, and even a mermaid.
As if that weren’t enough, Charley pointed out that there’s even a free event while the show sets up at 9 a.m. on Aug. 29 in the grass lot near the corner of Roosevelt and Culver roads, where Becky the elephant raises and sets up the tent right before the audience’s eyes.
“We put up one of the big poles, and then everyone is invited inside the tent to watch Becky actually raise the remainder of the poles and set the tent up, and you’re allowed to stay inside the tent, watch them bring in all the seating, watch them set up all the lights and watch them do the sound checks. You can stay and watch them make a whole day out of it,” said Charley.
The Kelly Miller Circus performed in Knox about five years ago, and in Winamac only a few years ago. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the cleanup of Wythogan Park, which was terrorized by storms in July that caused unbelievable damage.
Tickets for the event can be purchased from the Knox City Clerk’s office, Zingo BP gas station, Key Bank, First Source Bank, and Demotte State Bank. Tickets purchased before the day of the event are discounted down to $5 for children and $9 for adults.
Charley says it’s a one-day event, but two shows will take place throughout the day.
“Aug. 29, that’s a Wednesday, on the corner of Culver and Roosevelt roads. Two shows, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. And don’t forget that at 9 a.m., free and open to the public, you can watch us raise the big top tent. Looking forward to it and it’s gonna be a great show!” he exclaimed.
