This post originally appeared on Mommy Nearest. See my post about our visit to the 41st Annual Triton Troupers Circus in 2012.
There’s nothing that brings out the kid in all of us like a circus. If you love the circus but not the price tag or the crowds, the Triton Troupers Circus is for you.
The Triton Troupers Circus is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the circus arts and they train just outside of Chicago at Triton College in River Grove.
Every year since 1972, long hours of training and practice culminate in a series of performances held the week before Easter. This year they are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 10-12, at 7:00 pm, and a show on Saturday at 1:00 pm. The 1:00 pm show is also interpreted for the hearing impaired.
All shows are handicapped accessible, animal-free, and appropriate for all ages. Balloons, fog, confetti, and strobe lights are used.
Tickets are only $6 per person and they can be purchased at practices, at the Office of Student Life building during school hours, or at the show, which takes place in the Robert Collins Building at Triton College, 2001 N. 5th Avenue, River Grove.
Doors open one hour before showtime, but the clown show begins right away, with clowns interacting with attendees, painting faces, and performing silly tricks. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the show at very reasonable prices.
The best part about the Triton Troupers is that these are normal people from the community living out their dream and entertaining families. From the Triton Troupers website:
“Who are these Triton Troupers? They are your friends, your neighbors, the people down the street. They are students, business people, and housewives. They spot each other for safety, encourage each other to excel, and help each other to mend sprained ankles and bruised egos. Their dedication and hard work are in the center ring for all to see. Their enthusiasm fills the gym. This is their time, they are to be applauded.”
The Triton Troupers are also hosting a fundraising pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 12 from 8:00 am to Noon in the activities room near the gym in the Robert Collins Building. The breakfast includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice, and milk for only $4 ($5 at the door), or $8 ($10 at the door) for the breakfast and circus admission.
