Valley Journal
Valley Journal

This Week’s e-Edition

Current Events

Latest Headlines

What's New?

Send us your news items.

NOTE: All submissions are subject to our Submission Guidelines.

Announcement Forms

Use these forms to send us announcements.

Birth Announcement
Obituary

Over the big top

Circus spectacle sets its sights on eyeglasses for locals

Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local. You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.



Subscribe now to stay in the know!

Already a subscriber? Login now

The Culpepper and Merriweather circus visited Ronan on Sunday, featuring amazing acts of dexterity, flexibility and comedy. 

The family-friendly event drew kids and parents from all over Lake County, who were happy munching on peanuts and tasting snow cones, while watching some remarkable feats from animals and humans alike.

More than 900 tickets for the event were sold or dispersed around the county, Ronan Lions Club Secretary Treasurer Gary Dietrich said, earning the club $1,200 for their philanthropy. 

The Ronan and Charlo Lions Clubs sponsored the circus this year in order to raise money for their eyeglass fund, while providing some old-fashioned entertainment to families. 

Every year the Lions Club buys 12 pairs of eyeglasses for underprivileged children, men and women. But with the help of the circus this year, the club will be able to provide eight more pairs to local community members.

Dietrich admits that selling the tickets was quite a challenge, but enjoyed the opportunity to provide such a fun experience to local kids, families and young adults. 

The circus set up a tent, pony rides, slides and moonwalks outside Community Bank, and a man on stilts strode across the makeshift fairgrounds until the beginning of the show. 
 
Inside the tent, the first act entailed three large cats prancing around the caged area, while an animal tamer directed traffic.  
 
Deya Rosales dazzled the audience circling a plethora of hula hoops around her body, while the Arlise Troupe, comprised of four young unicyclists and their father, performed multiple entangling tricks of the trade. 
 
After intermission, the circus continued with a beautiful bird show, where Lana Dykes mesmerized the audience with her trained birds, who seem to obey her every whim. 
“It’s cute. It’s fun,” Dietrich said. 
 
But ultimately it’s about the kids and the community having a good time, Dietrich said. 
And from the looks of the happy crowd on Sunday, everyone enjoyed the event.

Sponsored by: