CIRCUS TO PERFORM AT ARENA PARK MONDAY

Come one, come all, the circus is coming to town.

This Monday, rain or shine, the King Royal Brothers Circus, sponsored by the NAACP, is to perform at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Arena Park.

The big tents will go up by elephant power, at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the circus, to house a five-ring show that will feature no-net high-wire acts and wild animals.

Michael J. Sterling, NAACP branch president, said the circus is the first of an annual event to be sponsored by the local chapter. "We plan to have this as a fund-raiser annually, featuring a different circus each year," he said. "The circus this year, the King Royal Brothers, is one of the largest circuses in North America."

Dr. Bernice Coar-Cobb, branch vice president of the NAACP, said proceeds from the tickets sales will go to fund youth activities and create scholarships for college and vocational training. "We plan to establish an endowed scholarship so it will be carried on," she said. "We want to be able to grow our own professionals here in Cape Girardeau."

Sterling said the circus is a family affair. "We were looking for good, family entertainment that everybody can come together and enjoy."

He said he was surprised to see many families in the area had never been to a circus.

He said: "We did our own survey while selling tickets. We found about 90 percent of those who bought tickets had never seen a circus, and most of them had children."

Sterling said he thought it was important for children to see the circus. "Many children in the area have never experienced the elephants, clowns, and giraffes.

"The animals are treated ethically in this circus. No whips or prods or other devices are used on the animals. Only voice commands and gentle, soothing gestures are used in the animal acts."

Coar-Cobb said children in the Cape Girardeau elementary schools were given coloring contest flyers. "We want the children to bring them to the performances with them," she said. "The flyers will be judged on the day of the circus at each performance. Prizes will be awarded to the winners."

Sterling said support from the community has been very good. "We have support from the Sikeston chapter of the NAACP, which has sold 200 tickets so far. Ticket sales here are going very well."

He said NAACP public relations chairman Georgia McMullins was the strength in organizing the event. "Georgia has organized the ticket distribution and has been responsible for putting together the whole project."

Tickets for Monday's circus can be bought at a reduced price at both Cape Schnucks stores, Food Giant, the A.C. Brase Arena, and from any NAACP member. Sterling said tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the performance. Close-out for the pre-sold tickets will be Friday at 7 p.m.