Come One! Come All! The El Zagal 65th Circus Is In Town

The circus is in town, and the Fargodome is the big top for the weekend.

Leanne Gibbon was born with spina bifida and had undergone multiple surgeries.

She says El Zagal Shrine helped paid thousands of dollars in hospital bills.

Gibbon drives from Breckenridge every year for the circus in support.

Gibbon says, “I was doctored at the Shriners growing up. So this is really important to me.”

Not everyone there was supportive.

Protesters outside the Fargodome claimed the circus mistreats animals.

And for people who say the circus does more harm than good, Gibbon has a message, “Give me a break. I mean there are some circus places that yes they do treat their animals poorly but no the Shrine circus. They treat their animals very, very well, and trust me I looked into because it’s not the first time I’ve heard about that.”

It’s become a family tradition for the last 13 years with her two kids.

Another family tradition that revolves around the circus life is the performers.

“If you’re from a circus family, you really don’t know any different. This is what we do. Sitting at a desk nine to five would be out of the question,” says circus ringmaster Justin Loomis.

Ever since Justin Loomis was a kid, he was ready for the spotlight.

His job as ringmaster makes him the glue of the show.

But what really drives people coming back?

“Probably the quality. It’s very consistent. You can always count on that you’re going to have great performers,” says El Zagal Shrine Potentate Brad Richards.

Keeping things fresh with new acts is how this circus continues to amaze the crowd year after year.

And this year’s new addition is the camels at liberty.

But even familiar acts bring the same excitement.

And for some, these acts mean so much more.

“For what the Shriner did for me, we will come every year,” says Gibbon.

You can still catch the circus Sunday, with shows at noon and four.

Tickets can be purchased through the Fargodome website or box office.