Circus organizes ride through Cape Girardeau for charity

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus is organizing a "Red Nose Ride" today to help child victims of domestic violence.

The ride starts at Bootheel Harley-Davidson at 6:30 p.m. Motorcycle riders will travel from the store through Cape Girardeau to the Show Me Center, where they'll be greeted by the circus performers. Riders will arrive at the Show Me Center about 7:15 p.m.

The public is encouraged to attend either site with donations of new stuffed animals for Beacon Health Children's Charities, which provides help for children dealing with violence. The first 200 who donate receive free ticket vouchers for opening night of the circus at the Show Me Center on Friday.

For more information on this weekend's circus, including show times, go to www.showmecenter.biz or www.semoevents.com.