The Kosair Shrine Circus is coming to town! This Thursday, February 10th-Sunday, the 13th, your family can witness, according to the Kosair Shrine Circus website, “a masterful show for children of all ages” at The Kentucky State Fairgrounds. Performed by George Carden Circus International, a fifth generational showman and led by Ringleader Ms. Audrey Michelle, the circus will feature pyramiding elephants and flamboyant fliers high above the rings. Bruno’s tigers, trained in Polish, are boasted to come to the trainer for hunks of reward instead of being isolated on their platforms. Princess Elayne, a 17-year-old contortionist, is said to be able to hold her entire body up by her mouth, gripping a metal bar with her teeth. Ow. She is also lauded to shoot a bow and arrow with just her feet. And let’s not forget the clowns. After reading "Water for Elephants" and witnessing the aerial acts at Turner’s of Louisville, I have mixed feelings about the circus: bizarre, questionable in the treatment of animals, steeped in the strangest of traditions, but nonetheless, grand and intriguing. If the circus tickles your family’s fancy, be sure to scoop up some tickets at the KY State Fairgrounds, Broadbent Arena box office, or through Ticketmaster at: 1(800)745-3000. Tickets are $16-22 depending on seat locations and free to lap-children 2 and under. The Kosair Shiners, a fraternity known for their philanthropy (and red fezzes) also accepts donated tickets to the circus that benefit children from Cedar Lake Lodge, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Home of the Innocents, Center for Women & Families, and many others. If you’d like to donate a ticket or two, call (502) 585-5497. For more information, visit www.kosaircircus.com Photo courtesy Kosair Shrine Circus