WATCH: The Big Top is in Kelowna

What's under the Big Top?

'Put your cell phones away and enjoy live entertainment'

You may have noticed a huge tent in the Orchard Park Mall parking lot.

The classic European Big Top has been set up for The Royal Canadian International Circus, making a stop in Kelowna over the next several days for eight shows.

They features acts such as a flying trapeze artist, the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team who were featured on America’s Got Talent, and a Hair Hang Aerialist.

Ringmaster, and Daredevil extraordinaire, Joseph Dominik Bauer said what they have on offer fits well in today’s times.

“The circus is still the oldest form of family entertainment, it’s never been censored, we’re older than baseball,” he said. “The artists are fabulous and the lighting and sound we put together is all modern. I think it’s okay we still do the show with aerialists, acrobats, comedy, and surprises.”

There are performers from around the globe who grew up in the circus, and they’re delighted to be back after the pandemic.

“We all had to go through the pandemic situation which held us away for a couple of years. Some artists decided not to stay in the business,” Bauer said. “We’re back now, the challenge is we’re getting back in shape, getting our acts back together, and being able to entertain.”

Among the many acts involved are the Argentinian Gaucho’s or Argentinian Cowboys that do rhythmic drumming along with swinging boleadoras. They are plastic balls that are attached to ropes and can reach speeds of over 100 miles per hour as they are whipped around.

Cowboy Nathan Valencia, has been doing it for 15 years, and it runs in the family.

“I do it because of my grandfather. He’s from Argentina and he always wanted me and my family to do this act, so we did it,” he said. “We’re continuing seven generations in the circus business. We had to keep going, it’s in my blood.”

He added he loves seeing and hearing the crowd when he reaches the climax of his performances.

“To see the people’s reaction to me and the way they scream and stuff, and applauding, it livens your day up and makes you so much happier,” Valencia said. “To see them react it’s awesome. We love coming here and performing for everyone in Canada.”

The shows run at the Orchard Park Mall from this evening until July 10th.