Big top comes to Farm Show grounds

August 31, 2024 Last Updated: September 02, 2024 12:01 PM Local News

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does an aerialist performance during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

The Zerbini Family Circus, which last visited Butler in 2022, amazed audiences at two shows Aug. 31 at the Farm Show Grounds.

BUTLER TWP — Smiles and laughter abounded at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, as boys and girls from 1 to 92 enjoyed a classic form of entertainment.

The Zerbini Family Circus raised their blue and yellow striped big top tent for two performances, which demonstrated the athletic acumen of acrobats, aerialists, and rola-bola artists, and demonstrated the amazing skills of the jugglers and clowns.

While large animals, like elephants and lions, are no longer allowed at circuses, the Zerbinis brought ponies and dogs to entertain the audience with adorable acts.

The mood was jubilant outside the colorful tent before the 4 p.m. show, where parents, aunts and grandparents enjoyed watching their young charges play in a large bounce house, ride on one of two ponies, take a trip around the tent on a trackless train named Sharkey’s Express, or have their faces painted in circus themes.

Julian Zerbini, who sold tickets to the show and the various attractions beforehand, said his ancestors first started performing in a circus in 1763 in Italy.

The current Zerbini family has been traveling around the U.S. amazing audiences for 32 years, he said.

Asked how many cities the circus sets up in each year, Zerbini replies ‘I couldn’t even tell you.” He said many more than 100 towns a year is accurate.

Zerbini said it takes 22 people to carry off the circus and its ancillary attractions, but all the hard work is worth it when he sees little faces light up.

“I hope everyone had a good time and had some laughter,” he said.

Ashley Fitzpatrick, of Butler Township, brought her children, Evan and Ellie, to the circus.

“I thought it would be a good activity for a Saturday,” she said.

The family has circus experience, as they have attended Ringling Brothers shows in Pittsburgh.

“This is a little closer to home,” Fitzpatrick said.

She took pictures of her children in front of the colorful big top before taking them inside to find a seat in the bleachers.

“I like the clowns,” said Evan.

“I like the horsies,” Ellie chimed in.

Brenda Baughman, of Slippery Rock, cheered her granddaughters on as they tumbled down a slide in the bounce house.

“It’s a nice thing to do at the end of summer,” she said of the circus.

Marie McReynolds, of Beaver County, accompanied her brother, Anthony Hall, and his children to the circus.

“I’ve never been,” she said of coming to the circus. “It’s my first time.”

McReynolds couldn’t wait to see her niece and nephew experience the performances inside the big top.

“Ohhh my heart,” she said. “It’s all about them.”

Mayvis Hall, 5, who is McReynolds’ niece, anticipated seeing a clown making balloons once the circus started. Outside, her gaze never left the ponies walking in a circle.

“Can I ride one?” she said.

Mayvis got her wish and clung to the saddle horn for dear life.

Terry and Cheryl Raymer, of Connoquenessing Township, brought their granddaughter, Blair, to the Zerbini Family Circus two years ago as well.

Blair, 4, nervously eyed the bounce house and its screaming patrons inside, but didn’t ask to go in.

She did have a comment on her grandparents bringing her to the circus.

“They’re nice,” Blair said.

Allason Newman, of Forward Township, brought her boys, Owen and Luke, to the 4 p.m. performance.

“I remember going to the circus one time when I was little, so when I heard it was coming, I wanted to bring them,” she said.

Owen, 8, looked forward to the trapeze artists, while Luke, 6, anticipated the acrobatics under the big top.

Another showing was held at 6 p.m. before Zerbini and his employees packed up to move on to their next show.

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a balancing act during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a quick change performance during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Miniature donkeys perform during the Zerbini Family Circus at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a hula hoop act during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a tightrope performance during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a trapeze performance during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a hole hoop performance during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Zerbini Family Circus performers carry American flags to close out the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Spanish ponies performed during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Zerbini Family Circus performers put on a comedic act during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a balancing act during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a hole hoop act during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a hula hoop act during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Miniature donkeys performed during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a balancing act during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Julian Zerbini acts as ringmaster during the miniature donkeys' performance at the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus clown performs during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Miniature donkeys performed during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Mayvis Hall, 5, rides a pony ahead of the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Attendees flock to the entrance of the Zerbini Family Circus ahead of their performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

Mayvis Hall, 5, rides a pony ahead of the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)

A Zerbini Family Circus performer does a juggling and tightrope performance during the Zerbini Family Circus performance at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, August 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/31/2024)