The Circus is Coming to Town!
High-flying aerialists, big cats, clowns, jugglers, a trapeze artist and more are slated to arrive in Eagle River for two performances on Friday, July 4.
Bringing two, action-packed 90-minute shows, the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus bills itself as "America's last traditional big top circus." Seats at this tented, one-ring circus are no more than 40 feet away from the ring, so attendees won't miss a moment of the magical entertainment.
The 2025 Culpepper & Merriweather cast includes foot juggling by Romichael Macias, a big cat show with Trey Key, unicycles by Arlise Troupe, the Wheel of Destiny and tight wire by the Perez Duo, trapeze work by Simone Key, and Leo the Circus Clown. Circus staff note that acts are subject to change due to illness, injury or unforeseen circumstances.
Prior to the public showings, Culpepper & Merriweather Circus invites people to visit during their set-up at 9:30 a.m. where they can take a free tour of the grounds, watch the tent raising, and meet the animals up close and personal. Information on their routine and care will be shared by the performers who work with the animals each day, along with other facts about the show's daily operations.
Large groups are welcome to attend the set-up tour including day cares, elderly care facilities and camps, but organizers ask the planners to contact them ahead of time to accommodate the group's size or any special needs they may have.
To purchase tickets in advance for a reduced rate of $13.75 for adults and $8.75 for children (2-12) and seniors (65-plus), visit cmcircus.com by 10 p.m. on July 3. There is no charge for children younger than age 2. Locally, advance tickets can be purchased at the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce office, Kenny's Elite Auto Detail & Printing, Yum Yum bowl, and Dublin's Mimosas. Tickets also will be sold at the door as available at a cost of $16 for adults or $9 for children or seniors.
Meet the Animals
Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is proud of the care it gives to the animals used in its shows. According to information on the website, all the animals are captive-bred and the majority of them are rescues.
"We are licensed and inspected by USDA and our animals are seen by a veterinarian every 30 days. We are lucky enough to have a team of world-class vets all over the country," the site says. "Animal trainers use positive reinforcement, rewarding the lion and tigers with their favorite treats for performing behaviors.
The show features two golden tabby tigers, Delilah and Soloman, who came to the circus after a roadside zoo they lived in was shut down by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The two tigers are siblings and have spent their whole lives together.
Wendell the Lion was incorporated into the act when he was surrendered by an exotic pet owner after he grew too large for his former owner to manage. Although he was very scared of men when he first came to Culpepper & Merriweather, he now is "best buddies" with his handler, Trey Key. He is relatively new to appearing in shows, but circus staff says he is doing well.
"He is now a growing brave boy with loads of confidence. He loves our female tiger, Delilah, very much and she's been integral in helping us to teach Wendell what to do in the ring. Right now the goal is to teach him to get on his seat, sit next to Delilah and then leave the ring when the act is over," the circus said, noting that each act is a "training session you'll get to see live."
