Zerbini Circus Returns for Another Maplewood July 4

It was hot out today. No argument there. But the 1 p.m. matinee performance of the Zabrini Circus brought the audience out in droves. According to emcee Sonja Callora, though the circus troupe hails from the warm climate of Myakka City, FL, this was the "hottest" venue that they have played this season so far. Go, New Jersey!

Amazingly, despite the high temps, the Big Top remained relatively comfortable as the seats filled up to beat the heat of the two additional performances scheduled for 3:30 and 6 p.m.

Those fortunate enough to see the circus were delighted with exhibitions of clowns, animal acts and exhilarating performances of acrobatic feats and daredevil stunts.

Per a conversation with impresario and owner Alain Zerbini, it was of particular interest to learn that the circus arrived in Memorial Park last evening at around 11 p.m., having made a 50-mile trek from a former engagement.

When asked how long the setup took, Zerbini told Patch that it was about three hours. No small feat, considering the three semis transporting the troupe, unloading animals and providing paddock, tent set-up, concession set-up, distributing power generators, preparing the inner deck, concession stands and finally preparing living quarters for the entire circus troupe, including facilities, TV and electrical power in the half dozen crew trailers—a truly miraculous effort of an itinerant enterprise of professionals making things happen. On the flip-side, Sgr. Zarbini told Patch that strike and teardown would take only 1.5 hrs. The family circus would then head toward their next destination in a South Jersey community.

Graciously, the circus gave particular shout-outs to the Maplewood Township Committee, Maplewood Civic Association, Maplewood's Finest, Maplewood's Bravest and the Maplewood Volunteer First Aid Squad.

On another municipal note, police officers and firefighters and members of the Volunteer First Aid Squad were pulling 12-hour shifts to ensure the safety of the throng of attendees during the day's festivities.

It should also be noted that the photography of the actual circus events was made exclusively available for the first time to Patch through the courtesy of Mr. Zerbini.