The Circus Is In Town [VIDEO]

The Kelly Miller Circus of Oklahoma is heading into North Andover today, sponsored by the Lions Club,

Shows will be at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at

The circus is a “traditional tent circus,” said Ringmaster John Moss, held inside at large tent, just like the old days, “where a circus should be seen … it has the right smell, the right feel …”

It will feature traditional fare and a slew of animals, including camels, tigers, ponies, dogs, and elephants this year.

The circus easily sets up in any location, from a shopping center to a school parking lot, like at Merrimack Valley High School today, and can set up as a “magical circus city for the day.”

The circus season began in February for the Kelly Miller team, Moss said, with tours in Texas, the Midwest, “and as far north and east as we can go.”

The circus traditionally leaves every day and then travels about 50 to 60 miles to get to the next stop. Moss said the circus was in Laconia for three days, its first time appearing in the Granite State.

“It was great fun for us because we woke up in the same town three days in a row,” he said.

As ringmaster, it takes Moss about 20 minutes or so to get ready for a show, dressing up in the traditionally top hat and tails.

When asked what the craziest thing people would see today, Moss thought for a moment and said, “A dog dressed as a lion … but I don’t want to give too much away.”

Tickets are $15, with a $2 upgrade for ringside seats, literally inches from the action.