Sun staff
The Kelly Miller Circus set up its big top and performed two shows in Bethel May 20 beside the Bethel Middle School. This is the third year the circus has come to Bethel. This year”s stop was sponsored by the Bethel Lions Club.
The circus’s 36 vehicles pulled into the village and began to set up early in the morning. One of the elephants was used to help set up the big top.
The public began to arrive at 3:30 p.m., an hour before the first show time. Kids rode on ponies, camels, and even elephants. Llamas and zebras were also outside for viewing.
The traveling circus was started in 1938 by Obert Miller and his sons, Kelly and Dory. The show is now the second largest big top circus show in America. Since 2007, the circus has been under the management of John Ringling North II, the great nephew of the famous Ringling Brothers.
Moxy Montana, in charge of the camel rides, said she has been with the circus for a long time. She has done aerial acts, whip cracking, and has trained animals, including two giraffes.
“My favorite thing to do, though, is work with the dogs,” Montana said.
Among the crowd was first time circus-goer, Jessica Sizemore, 17, and her siblings Janelle, 7, and Jeremy, 4.
“There’s funny stuff about the circus,” Jeremy said. His favorite thing is seeing the zebras.
“My favorite thing is riding all the animals,” Janelle said. She was too afraid to ride the elephants.
At 4:30, the first show began. The show included tiger acts, elephants, zebras, juggling, hula hoops, dancing, music, and much more. The show lasted about two hours.
After the 7:30 show, the circus members began to pack up to move on to Bellbrook, Ohio.