The circus is coming to Wellman.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20, the Culpepper and Merriweather Great Combined Circus will set up its big top at North Park in Wellman.

“This is a great time for the circus to come through,” City Administrator Kelly Litwiller said. “It’s like one last hurrah before school starts.”

The circus will put on two 90-minute shows that day – one at 5 p.m. and a second show at 7:30 p.m.

At 9:30 a.m., the circus will host a free open house, where people can watch the tent being raised, see animal up close and visit with performers.

Starting an hour before the shows, there will be bounce houses, a slide, face painting, pony rides and concessions.

Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children and seniors.

Tickets can be purchased at Wellman City Hall, the Wellman Coop Telephone Company, Casey’s, Federation Bank in Wellman, Hills Bank and Trust in Wellman and Kalona, and CBI Bank in Kalona.

On the day of the show, tickets can be purchased on site for $15 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.

On Friday, Aug. 9, Skeeter the Clown from the circus will be in Wellman for a pre-show visit. 

Skeeter will be at the Wellman Scofield Public Library from 10:45 a.m.-noon, as well as making visits to Parkview Manor and Sunrise Child Care.

The Hugo, Okla.,-based circus travels the country 32 weeks a year, visiting more than 200 cities and town.

The Wellman show is sponsored by the Wellman Rotary Club and the Wellman Chamber of Commerce.