WALKER CIRCUS TO PERFORM AT ORAN

ORAN -- Make way for the big tents because the circus is coming to town and it's been almost five years since one last visited Oran.

Walker Brothers Circus will present a performance Sunday at the Tilles Memorial City Park in Oran. The midway will open at 1 p.m. and the performance begins at 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Oran Chamber of Commerce.

The circus asked to perform in Oran, said Leroy Eftink, chamber president. The group performed in the Sikeston area and also in Winona last year.

"The town of Winona invited them back and that's a good recommendation," Eftink said.

The strength of elephants will help erect the big-top tent at 9 a.m. Sunday morning. Families are invited to watch the circus unload before the performance.

Although circuses have been popular since the 1700s, the Walker Brothers Circus which originates in Sarasota, Fla., is relatively new. It features elephants, ponies, dogs and clowns.

Children's tickets are free in advance and adult tickets cost $6. On Sunday, adult tickets will be $8 and children's tickets $5.

"Nothing would thrill me more than if we sold too many tickets and they had to have a second show," Eftink said, adding that ticket sales have increased this week.

Tickets can be purchased from a chamber member or at several businesses in Oran and Chaffee.