Circus coming Feb. 4-5 to Black River Coliseum

Come one come all, the circus is coming to town complete with acrobats, aerialist and animals to provide entertainment and fun for the entire family.

The Carden International Circus will once again return to Poplar Bluff to delight crowds for two shows, Feb. 4 and 5, both at 6:30 p.m. at the Black River Coliseum.

Co-Ringmaster Veronica Prado promises a “brand new and very interesting” show with, for the first time, two ringmasters and more animals.

“The audiences will get to know the performers and will feel like they are in a different place,” she said. “We bring the audience into the show and make them a part of it.”

Families can expect about a 2 1/2-hour show packed with Asian Elephants, Bengal tigers, horses, camels, prancing poodles, acrobats and the Wheel of Death.

Doors open one hour before showtime for families to begin their evening of memory making at the pre-show festivities.

The pre-show festivities will feature elephants, camels and ponies for riding, face painting, performer meet-and-greets, photo opportunities with a snake and much more.

“There are a lot of fun things to do before the show,” Prado said.

Tickets are on sale now at www.spectacularcircus.com or the Black River Coliseum box office one hour before showtime each day.

General admission tickets are $14 for children 12 and under, and $20 for adults.

If purchased online, attendees can save 50 percent while supplies last. One free child’s ticket is also available by visiting Carden’s website.

Prado has only been in the role of co-ringmaster for a short time, but said it’s something she has always wanted to do.

“When asked to be one of the ringmasters, it’s something I can’t explain,” she said. “It means a lot to me.”

In addition to taking the helm of the show, Prado is also a dancer, aerialist and elephant rider.

Prado left her family in Brazil at 17-years-old and first generation circus performer to begin her career as a dancer with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for four years before joining Caballeros Circus.

In 2016, she joined the Carden International Circus family and was quickly captivated by the grace and beauty of the aerial arts.

“I asked a friend to teach me and I was so excited,” Prado said. “I was nervous in the beginning, but not anymore.”

Even with the rush of flying high in the air or being in the spotlight of the center ring shimmering in bedazzled attire, Prado said her most memorable moments have come during the elephant acts.

“I love the elephants and think they are the best part,” she said.

While happy with where she is in her career, Prado enjoys trying new things and said she would like to give the high-wire act a try at some point.

Prado’s circus family extends to the audience at each show and encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the event.

The energy, happy faces on children and amazed looks on parent’s faces are the driving forces that keep Prado coming back each year, practicing her craft and exploring new acts.