You can see a Chevrolet Camaro enter a ring Tuesday, transform into a 21-foot robot, and then drive back out of the ring.
The Zerbini Family Circus is coming to Cortlandville for one night only at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The big top will be at the Cortland County Fairgrounds, and there’s acts for all ages, said Julian Zerbini, who owns the company.
“It’s really entertaining for all ages,” Zerbini said. “I think if you’ve never been to a circus before, at least give it a chance and see for yourself. We’ve witnessed people who are in their 50s and 60s say that this is their first time, and then when they leave, they absolutely love it and don’t know why they haven’t done it sooner.”
Watch people juggle with their feet, performing miniature donkeys, a clown, and someone who walks upside-down, 30 feet in the air. The clown includes an audience member in his act.
Ringmaster David Donnert said the key to being a good ringmaster is making the audience feel like part of the show – not just introducing the next act.
“The circus has been around forever,” Donnert said. “It’s one of the oldest forms of entertainment. It’s older than popcorn and Coca Cola. … When you live in a town where there’s not a lot to do, when the circus comes in, since the 1800s, it’s been the highlight. Everything stopped, and everyone went to the circus.”
Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 online for people 11 and up. For each adult ticket purchased, you can get a free child’s ticket for kids 4 through 10. Children ages 3 and under can come for free.
For $40, you can buy a family package for two adults and up to four kids.
“There’s really acts for all ages,” Zerbini said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 2 years old or if you’re 100 years old.”
It’s good for families because it is a very small and intimate venue, where attendees are right near the ring, Donnert said.
“When you come to a circus, you can leave your problems and sorrows behind,” Donnert said. “If you really immerse yourself in the world of circus, you can forget about everything for two hours. … It’s also live entertainment. Today, when you have the Facebook and video games, it’s great for parents to bring their kids and just shut off everything in the modern world, and just go back in time.”
