Arthur Festivals
Arthur, Illinois
Kelly-Miller Circus
The Arthur Area Association of Commerce is happy to once again sponsor the Kelly-Miller Circus. There will be two shows held at the old football field next to the Arthur High School. Click here for dates and times
Begun in 1938 by Obert Miller and his sons, Kelly and Dory,
the Al G. Kelly Miller Brothers Circus, now known simply as
Kelly Miller, has entertained millions of American and
Canadian citizens while establishing itself in the fabric
and history of the American Tented Circus.
From 1984 through 2006, David Rawls, president and third
generation circus performer directed Kelly-Miller Circus. In
2007, another exciting chapter in its history began when he
passed the reins to John Ringling North II. Mr. North’s
great uncles were the famous Ringling Brothers, his
grandmother, their only sister. Born into this most famous
of circus families, John grew up on the “Greatest Show on
Earth”, learning circus operation from his father Henry
Ringling North, and Uncle John Ringling North. “I intend to
maintain the excellent standards established by David Rawls
and his family, and add some new features to the show”, John
said following the hand-over.
The show travels on a fleet of 25 vehicles and requires an
area of some 90,000 square feet to set up on. The circus big
top, imported from Italy, has a seating capacity of 1500 and
is made of waterproof vinyl. The tent is 120' by 130' and
40’ high and is supported by more than a quarter of a mile
of heavy gauge aluminum tubing as well as several miles of
rope, steel cable and chain.
The Kelly Miller Circus has gathered a galaxy of stars from
many nations, as well as an exotic display of animals,
enhanced them with beautiful theatrical lighting and lively
circus music for a performance to warm the hearts of young
and old alike.
From the early morning hours, when the elephants pull the big top into the air to the very moment when the king pole races to the ground at the end of the day, you the public are invited to come and be a part of the magic of "Circus Day" as it has been experienced for over 200 years!
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- Amish Country Quilt Show
- Downtown Arthur Markets
- Arthur's Strawberry Jam
- Ty's Dash 'n Splash 5&10K
- Antique Tractor Cruise
- Freedom Celebration
- Mo-Do County Fair
- A Touch of Arthur
- Arthur Mennonite Relief Sale
- Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival
- Cheese Chase 5&10K
- Bob Galloway Memorial Amish Country Bike Ride
- CIBR-BBQ Championship
- Arthur Annual Christmas Kickoff
- 3rd Saturday Markets
- Spring and
Fall Antique Weekends
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