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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 11, 2013 | 4 Circus is a family affair from the inside out continued from p.1 one of the largest collection of exotic tigers, big cats, and it's the first time in a long time since we've had tigers under the big top." The circus will feature 14 tigers, performing elephants, horses, trapeze and aerial artistry, juggling, unicycles, comedy, highflying acrobatics, classical crowns, circus wheel, the Globe of Death and more. Curtis, a former U.S. marine, had joined the business by chance. "I was bartending for a seafood restaurant, and long story short, I ran away and joined the circus doing some front-end work," he said. He went on to travel with the show for nearly 20 years as a ringmaster. "I've met my ninth generation performing wife (Kimberly Zerbini) in the business. I have three kids," he said. He and his family stepped away from the business for a few years and have now returned at the request of Tarzan Zerbini. Curtis' two youngest children, 15 and 11, travel with the show while doing distance learning and will be training to perform in the circus in future. "This is a two and a half hour, traditional circus. We have exotic animals, acrobats, clowns and all that," Curtis said. The show also features a number of performing families, who come from across the world, including from Argentina and Romania. One of the families does a foot-juggling act. animal sanctuary in Florida, where the animals stay when the show is not travelling for its 32-34 week season. Curtis said the Zerbini circus is a Europeanstyle, one-ring environment under the Big Top with people sitting ringside having great proximity to the action. "You're just steps away. Literally, when we put up the steel arena, maybe two metres away from you are giant tigers and elephants and all the action going down," Curtis said. He said there's no reason for anyone to be scared though, as there are numerous safety precautions in place. Tarzan Zerbini has been working with the Shriners for the past 40 years putting on the show. Profits from the show support the charitable work of the Shriners, which support 22 children's hospitals across North America. "This is one of the last little bits of live entertainment still rated G for children of all ages," Curtis said. "This is a really wonderful way to bring the family and have them come sit for two and a half hours-worth of entertainment. It's not vulgar. It's family oriented and a lot of fun and there's something for everybody under the Big Top." People who show up early will also have an opportunity to take elephant rides, have their faces painted and more. The centrum is at 2095 Winston Park Dr. Tickets cost $30 per person or $40 for VIP ringside seating. For tickets, showtimes and more information, visit www.shrine-circus.com. Tigers will be featured for the first time in a long while at this year's Shrine Circus coming to Oakville's Entertainment Centrum July 25-28. | photo courtesy of the Shrine Circus "The father actually uses his children as props. He lies on his back, puts his feet up in the air and juggles them around. It's really cool," Curtis said. Another act features a giant wheel walker who walks on the outside of the wheel. There is a Russian swing, with five-six people standing on it as it swings back and forth and then the performers launch 20 feet into the air from the swing. "That usually gets the big oohs and ahs," Curtis said. The biggest draw for the circus, Curtis said, will be the tigers. The Zerbinis pride themselves on exceeding all standards for animal care. In fact, one of the Zerbini family owns an exotic Call today for your personal tour. We'd love to have you join us! · Enjoy our fresh home cooked meals- never catered · Daily housekeeping including linen and laundry service · Our spacious sun filled facility · Nursing staff 24 hours a day for your peace of mind Retirement Living 380 Sherin Drive, Oakville, Ontario (905) 847-1413 www.vistamere.ca At Its Best