The Butler Lions Club weren’t the only lions to be found on the grounds of Butler Elementary School on Monday evening. Crowds young and old were dazzled by the performance of Frances the lion and his two tiger friends, along with the entire troupe of performers with the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus.
The Butler Lions Club sponsored the circus as a way to give back to the community, according to President Gary Mathes. All funds raised by the Lions Club from the circus will be returned to the community through the many Lions Club projects throughout the year.
Gasps and cheers came from the audience of young children and adults alike as trapeze artists performed daring mid-air tricks, tightrope walkers maintained perfect balance, and the tigers showed off their sharp teeth. Hope Thompson, preferring entertainment of a lighter fare, said she thought the tigers were scary.
“I liked when they went around and around,” she said, referring to the crew of jugglers balancing precariously on unicycles.
Linda Bryant said she enjoyed seeing the golden tigers and the black mane lion. She said she decided to attend the circus on Monday evening to see the exciting and fun antics of the performers.
“I thought the tigers were very beautiful,” she said.
Eight-year-old Joshua Fenton and his seven-year-old brother Christopher both agreed the lions and tigers were their favorite part.
“I could see through (the cage) and see their teeth,” said Christopher. He added he also liked the juggling with the fire batons.
Audience participation was also a fun part of the circus that Avary Wine got to experience. With the guidance of Leo the clown, Avary learned a few new karate moves.
“That was fun!” she exclaimed after exiting the stage.
The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus tours eight months of the year, from March through October, visiting as many as 243 cities and towns. But for one night in Butler, the circus brought family fun to everyone in attendance.
