Small-town circus calls families to the big top in Richfield

If you've only seen the circus at Quicken Loans Arena, you can get a lot closer to the action when the Kelly Miller Circus visits Richfield on July 31.

The one-ring circus will take place behind Richfield Town Hall, 4410 W. Streetsboro Road.

Richfield got its first taste of the circus last year as the town celebrated its 200^th anniversary. More than 500 people showed up early in the morning to watch the elephant raise the tent.

Two shows were advance sellouts, so a third show was added. This year, the circus is already planning three 90-minute shows.

The Richfield Town Trust is sponsoring the circus. The group is dedicated to preserving Richfield's historic district, which centers on the intersection of Streetsboro and Broadview roads.

"This circus is like a family. They travel all the time," said Karen Smik, the treasurer of the Richfield Town Trust. "They take a couple of months off, but then they are going every day, nonstop."

Indeed, the circus will arrive in Richfield after performing one day earlier in Sagamore Hills. After the tent comes down in Richfield, it's off to Kelly's Island.

This year, the elephant will raise the tent at around 9 a.m., although it will have some human help.

"It takes a while to get everything going, and then the elephant gives the final pull," said Smik.

The performances will begin at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

"These performers do everything," Smik said. "They help to raise the tent. One guy did an act last year, and later I saw him selling programs. It's a very nice, clean show."

Presale tickets cost $6 for children ages 2-11 and $10 for adults. They are available at Wild Class Nature Center, ScripType Publishing and Countryside Florist. On the day of the circus, the price will increase to $7 for kids and $14 for adults.

The Kelly Miller Circus has been in action since 1938 and is based in Hugo, Okla. It features traditional acts such as tigers, dogs, elephants, fire manipulation, trapeze, clowns, jugglers, balancing, camels, acrobats and a Wild West rope routine.