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Traveling Circus Entertains
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A slack wire aerialist balances and twirls the hula hoops above the crowd at an American Crown Circus performance over the weekend in Riverbank. In seven performances between Thursday and Sunday, the troupe, also known as Circo Osorio, brought many performing acts under the big top set up across the street from the Galaxy Theatres. Ric McGinnis/The News

 

Youngsters and adults alike enjoyed some time under the big top, watching acrobats, tight rope walkers, a magician and other aerialists seemingly defy the laws of the physical world, entertaining all who came to watch.

In seven performances between Thursday and Sunday, American Crown Circus, or Circo Osorio, as it is also known, amazed audiences who came for the shows.

The production also benefited the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, which received a portion of the gate receipts to use for department programs.

After setting up on Thursday, there was a single show at 7:30 that night, but the following three evenings were filled with 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows each night.

The ringmaster, who turned out at the end to be an illusionist as well, introduced each act, changing his costume between each.

Where larger, traditional circuses have three rings, American Crown had a single, raised stage which made it easy to see the action. There didn’t appear to be a bad seat in the house, not counting the many poles holding the canvas of the tent in place during the performances.