Peabody Mayor Backs Big Apple Circus

PEABODY, MA -- Mayor Ted Bettencourt said in a Facebook post Friday that his enthusiasm for a plan to bring the Big Apple Circus to Peabody has "grown exponentially" after meeting with circus executives. Bettencourt said the circus has agreed to pay for all costs, including police, fire, security, traffic permits and clean up, and will work with local officials to minimize disruptions for area residents and businesses.

"The circus itself is an amazing production and Big Apple plans to donate the first night’s proceeds to a Peabody community program/charity," Bettencourt said. "The Big Apple Circus presents no wild or exotic animals and all of the PETA-certified dogs and horses in the show have been rescued from shelters or auction."

PETA Foundation Vice President Delcianna Winders said Bettencourt's claim that the animal rights group endorsed Big Apple was erroneous.

"PETA is opposed to the use of any animals for entertainment and urges the Big Apple Circus to use only willing human performers," Winders said. "The only way for Mayor Bettencourt to make the show PETA-certified is by enacting a ban on animal exhibits."

Bettencourt said he spoke with officials in Somerville, where the circus set up for its annual visit to Massachusetts last year.

"The officials were effusive in their praise of Big Apple’s professionalism and attention to detail, as well as their willingness to work with all city departments and engage with the community," Bettencourt said. "Mayor Curtatone told me that he wished they could have had the Circus continue in Somerville but...the previous location is now being developed."

City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal, which has already raised concerns about traffic, when it meets on Feb. 14. If approved, the Circus would be in town from March 29 to May 12. The 40-year-old performance company is known for its intimate, one-ring circus that puts spectators within 50 feet of performers.

"I believe hosting the Big Apple Circus will be a big win for the City of Peabody," Bettencourt said. "I hope the Council votes to allow the Circus to come here this Spring. If all goes well, it could become an annual Peabody tradition."

Big Apple Circus has made annual stop in Massachusetts for most of the past 30 years. After several years at City Hall Plaza in Boston, the circus moved to Assembly Row in Somerville last year.

Big Apple did not come to Boston in 2017, when the company was in bankruptcy proceedings. The circus was saved by an investor group led by Dr. Neil Kahanovitz, who had been a performer in the circus while he was in medical school.

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Photo by Big Apple Circus.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).