By JENNIFER MAIER / Community Columnist

America’s oldest family-owned circus will be in Columbiana on Saturday, Sept. 17for two shows, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 5 p.m.

The location will be the Old Mill Square Lot (old Summer Classics lot).

Carson & Barnes Circus has been performing to audiences for 80 years. Be prepared to see amazing feats of daring and courage as acrobats spin through the air and daredevils ride motorcycles on the Globe of Death.

In honor of the show’s 80^th anniversary, the star performers will take center stage. Under the direction of Armando Loyal, three much-loved Asian elephants Lisa, Becky and Traci will thrill the audience with their grace and skill.

According to Elizabeth Smith, marketing director for the City of Columbiana, advanced ticket prices will be $6 for children and $12 for adults and can be purchased at Busy Hands, Piggly Wiggly and City Hall starting on Friday, Sept. 2.

All students (ages 12 and under) at any of the area elementary schools or Columbiana Baptist Kindergarten will receive coupons at school for free admission with a paid adult ticket.

The City of Columbiana also plans to give back with any proceeds made from ticket sales to our area schools.

Smith said that tickets will cost more at the gate, so it is best to purchase your ticket in advance. Tickets will be $16 for adults and $10 for children at the box office on circus day, so buy in advance for the best deal.

Smith also said that there will be a contest for kids throughout the community to guess the weight of Traci the elephant.

“If more than two children guess the correct weight those names will be drawn from and two lucky winners would be allowed to ride an elephant into the big top at the opening of the circus,” Smith said.

Other performances include trapeze artists, clowns, Bartoli the world’s smallest elephant, jugglers, a performance by the Scintillating Circus Sailors, high-stepping Appaloosa stallions, an acrobatic performance on the Wheel of Destiny, jugglers, performing poodles, and a final patriotic parade and farewell to all the circus stars.

As most Columbiana residents know, there is always something going on in town. The decision to bring the circus to Columbiana was a way for the city to try something new.

“Mayor (Stancil) Handley had suggested we do something between Music on Main and the fair coming to town. I researched several things and came across the circus idea and thought it would be great for our community since there are many youth in this area that have never had the chance to attend a real circus,” said Smith.

The Carson & Barnes Circus, which has been performing since 1937, has traveled millions of miles and performed in cities both big and small.

“I think having local family events encourages our community to stay in Columbiana and keeps our area close knit, which is a main attraction for many families,” said Smith.