The Circus is Here!

The tent is going up right this minute! Check it out at Mill River Park between now and noon today. Take that, lack of summer fun! Event organizers describe the tent like this:

The beautiful, gleaming white tent with glowing yellow stars spiraling over the roof and sides can accommodate more than 1,700 people, but with seats no further than 50 feet from ringside, all audience members have an intimate view of the magic and artistry of the Big Apple Circus, a not-for-profit company offering the world’s finest circus entertainment.

The Big Top is 63 feet high at its peak, with a circumference of 440 feet. Made by Canobbio S.p.a. in Castelnuovo Scrivia, Italy, it is supported by four masts 50 feet tall, from which is suspended a twelve-sided cupola frame with a diameter of 50 feet. Ninety-eight side poles measuring 16 feet high support the periphery of the tent. The 35–person tent crew takes up to eight hours to raise the Big Top before the ring, seating, lighting and sound systems can be installed. The tent is air-conditioned for all–season comfort!