Culpepper & Merriweather Circus schedules 2 big top shows in Rusk
Portion of advance ticket sales benefit the Rusk Kiwanis Club
BY LELAND ACKER

Skeeter the circus clown entertains children at Amy's Child Care Center in Rusk.

The big-top is coming to Rusk as the Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus Friday. The early show will be at 5 p.m. with the late show following at 7:30 p.m.

"The circus will benefit the Kiwanis Club service projects," said Kiwanis Club member Judy Faye Garner. "Our projects include scholarships and Dream Tree."

Mrs. Garner said the raising of the bigtop will be at 10 a.m. Friday on FM 343 next to the Rusk KOA park. The circus will feature different animals, including camels.

Between 9:30-10 a.m. watch the raising of the Big Top, followed by a free guided tour of the circus grounds. The presentation includes hygiene, grooming and the veterinary care of animals.

"The midway will be open one hour before the show," she said. "They'll have pony rides." Advanced tickets are being sold by Kiwanis Club members and cost $6 for children ages 2-12 years old, and $8 for adults. They are also available at Chapman's Pharmacy and the Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union.

"We encourage buying advanced tickets because that really helps Kiwanis," Mrs. Garner said. "Tickets the day of the show will cost $7 for children and $11 for adults."

The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus will be at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday on FM 343 next to the KOA park.

Persons needing additional information or wanting to purchase tickets may do so by calling Mrs. Garner at (903) 683-2414.