The circus is coming to town this week, starting with a massive tent. Tomorrow, The Big Apple Circus is scheduled to begin raising its big top tent between 7 and 8 a.m.
The tent -- which will takes a crew of 35 over five hours to assemble, not including the installation of seating, lighting and sound systems -- will be raised at the Fullington Farm circus grounds on Route 10, approximately three miles north of the Green.
Raising the tent is a complex procedure requiring management of the massive cupola and masts, and numerous side poles and stakes.
The tent, which is made in France, soars 52 feet high and completely opaque. It is supported by four telescopic masts, which weigh between 2,300 and 2,600 pounds and are raised by electric motors. The masts and tent are tied to a total of 190 stakes.
Made specifically to suit The Big Apple Circus' specifications, the tent is fully air-conditioned and seats over 1,900 people.
Bello Nock will be performing under this unique big top in an all new show entitled Bello & Friends that celebrates the essence of the circus clown.
Bello -- the descendant of a Swiss circus family -- has won worldwide acclaim with his daredevil acrobatic stunts.
"When you watch this guy, breathing is optional," said Paul Schultz of the New York Daily News.
Accompanying Bello will be a traditional circus lineup of international performers such as trapeze artists, jugglers, animals, trainers, acrobats and jugglers.
The Big Apple Circus was founded two decades ago by Paul Binder '63. It is arguably the nation's best known and most beloved one-ring circus.
Spectators are welcome to observe the tent-raising free of charge. Space for picnicking will be available on the ridge about the circus grounds.
This summer will be the 18th time The Big Apple Circus has visited Hanover. The Circus spends the summer traveling throughout the Northeast and Midwest, entertaining crowds "no more than 50 feet from the ring."
The Big Apple Circus is known for its unique combination of a cozy atmosphere, acrobatic stunts and entertaining comedy.
The Hopkins Center is presenting 12 shows, beginning at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 13 and concluding at 8 p.m. on Tuesday July 18.
Tickets ranging from $12 to $30 are available at the Hopkins Center Box Office.
