Daily News

Shrine Circus Opens May 4 at Big E Coliseum

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, May 4, the Melha Shriners will launch four days of wholesome family fun at the Big E Coliseum on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition. The 63rd Melha Shrine Circus will present seven shows through Sunday, May 7.

The circus begins with a grand entry at 6:30 p.m. on May 4. Inside, circus-goers will enjoy entertainment from the Hamid Elephants, the Vincent Von Duke Tigers, daredevil Johnny Rockett, human cannonball Shawn Marren, the Flying Angels trapeze artists, and Neecha Braun and her Amazing Dobermans.

The circus schedule will be as follows: Thursday, May 4, 7 p.m.; Friday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 7, 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Prices are $15 for general reserved seats and $18 for box seats (no discounts apply to box seats). Children under age 3 seated on an adult’s lap do not need a ticket. To purchase tickets, call (413) 205-5087 or visit the Eastern States Coliseum box office, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (On performance days, the box office will remain open until 9 a.m.) In addition, all Western Mass. Big Y locations are offering a buy-three, get-one-free promotion.

When ordering tickets, indicate if a ticketholder uses a wheelchair or requires special assistance; the Shriners will make every effort to accommodate attendees’ needs. In such situations, there will be room for only one other person to sit with the ticketholder.

As always, all proceeds from this annual tradition of family fun stay in the Western Mass. area to assist the work of the Shriners.