There will be plenty of old-fashioned family fun under the big top as Circo Osorio returns to Nanaimo Sept. 19-23 with an all-new 2019 tour.
The circus company has set up a tent at the Woodgrove Centre parking lot near Hudson’s Bay.
The group features performers from Russia, Belarus, Romania, Argentina, Mexico, Chile and the United States, and is offering up aerial acrobatics, magic and illusion, juggling, fun with bicycles, rope tricks, and more.
New for 2019, Circo Osorio has partnered with the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation, which will be the fundraising recipients throughout the 10-week tour.
“Canada has welcomed our circus with open arms and now we have a chance to give back to the communities that support our show,” said president and fourth-generation circus owner, Francisco Osorio.
Circo Osorio says it is designed for family fun of all ages.
“All of your senses are triggered once you enter the tent,” said Osorio. “It’s quite the sensational experience.”
The show is named after the Osorio family of entertainers who founded the circus company in 1927 in their native Mexico. The company is based in Las Vegas, from which they tour Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.
Last year, there were popcorn sellers and people selling light-up magic wands working the crowd between acts, a ringmaster in a brocade jacket, and a super clown named Rafinha to keep the adults and children excited throughout the entire event. After the show, many of the audience said they were looking forward to when the circus comes back. Well, they are returning, with 10 performances.
Showtimes are: Thursday, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Friday: 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.; and Monday: 7 p.m.
Tickets are $25 general admission and can be purchased at the door or online at americancrowncircus.com/tickets. Also, there are free tickets for kids 10 and under available at the Nanaimo News Bulletin office at 777 Poplar St. while supplies last. Families are limited to two free tickets only per paying adult. Other little kids or older children get in for $10 each.
