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The Circus Comes To Riverview

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Ken Suarez, a reporter with WTVT Fox 13, practices a routine with Garth the Wonder Horse in the Showmen's Club parking lot. Suarez is scheduled to appear as guest ringmaster Jan. 10 at the International Independent Showmen's Association Charity Circus Jan. 10 at the Showmen's Club in Riverview.

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: January 7, 2009

Updated: 01/07/2009 03:33 pm

RIVERVIEW - The greatest show in South Shore is coming to town.

The International Independent Showmen's Association will host its 28th annual Charity Circus on Saturday, with three performances at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Elephants, aerialists, clowns and more will perform under the Big Top at 6915 Riverview Drive.

Each two-hour show promises lots of excitement for the young and young at heart, said ringmaster Ward Hall.

"It's all about kids, and about helping organizations who help them," he said. "All of our performers donate their time so that 100 percent of the proceeds go to local charities."

Ken Suarez, a reporter with WTVT, Fox 13, will be a guest ringmaster. He will bring along Garth the Wonder Horse, a small, "mutt" stallion he owns, and Cocoa Puff, a full-grown, dwarf-miniature horse. Both will perform with him in the ring.

"This is my fantasy life," Suarez said, adding he owns about 40 animals, including a performing skunk and kissing llama that live at his Dover property. In addition to circus performing, some of the animals are ambassadors at petting zoos.

"They bring such enjoyment to so many, in contrast to what I see in my job as a television reporter," he said. "I think it's OK to be childlike - to be positive and playful. The world today is a scarier place, and the circus is a way to expose kids to animals, to help them appreciate our interconnectedness.

"The circus is a dying art form," Suarez said. "To be able to be a little piece of it is cool."

Suarez will introduce the performers, including magician Sterling Steel, Liberty horses, daredevils, jugglers and two new acts - the Emporors Performing Goats and Grumpy and the Pork Chop Revue, pigs that slide, balance on balls and do other tricks.

"They're hilarious," Hall said.

A 15-piece circus band, the largest in the country today, also will perform, he said. "Some of its members come from as far away as the upper Midwest. Gibsonton's own Charles Schlarbaum will direct the band."

The midway will open one hour prior to each show, featuring bounce houses, elephant and pony rides and lots of carnival goodies, including cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones.

In the exhibition hall, Circus Model Builders Inc. will display miniature circuses that members have collected over the years.

Everything's included in the $12 general admission price. Children younger than 12 enter free. Parking also is free.

In the past, proceeds from the International Independent Showmen's Association Charity Circus have been donated to nonprofit charities such as the Mary and Martha House in Ruskin, the Hillsborough County Boys Ranch and Girls Villa, Tampa Children's Hospital and a number of area food banks.

"The circus is only one of our charity events the Showmen's Club hosts throughout the year," Hall said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 28th annual International Independent Showmen's Association Charity Circus

WHERE: 6915 Riverview Drive, Riverview

WHEN: 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday

COST: $12 for adults, free for children younger than 12; free parking

INFORMATION: (813) 677-3590

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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