Batman, the Caped Crusader, will be on hand at every performance of this year’s Kosair Shrine Circus. For 30 minutes prior to each show and during Circus intermissions, Batman will meet with and greet fans. Visitors may bring their own camera to capture the moment or have their picture made with Batman for a fee.

            The Circus doors open 1 hour prior to each performance. During that time and during intermissions, pony rides and elephant rides will be conducted. Tickets for the rides are sold at the event. The Kosair Shrine Center’s Funsters clown troupe join in the pre-show and intermission fun with their entertaining and crowd-pleasing antics.

            This year’s event includes performances by entertainers from around the world including Judit and Juergen Nerger and their twelve tigers and one lion. German natives, they have worked throughout Europe. In 2000 and 2001 they were featured in the Russian State Circus. This year they are on tour in the U.S.

            Other international performers include the South American Dominguez Extreme Riders with their Motorcycle Madness performance that features six motorcycles inside an enclosed metal globe. Englishman David Rosaire and his Perky Pekes (dogs), who have performed in venues such as the London Palladium, Caesar’s Palace and New York’s Lincoln Center, will also entertain. The three-rings will also feature a host of other circus acts including aerialists from Russia, Argentina, Rumania, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil, magicians, acrobats, high wire artists, trapeze performers, clowns and more.

            Returning again this year is the elephant who is billed as the star of the show, “Bo, The All American Elephant”. Recognized as one of the most entertaining acts in the Circus world, Bo is a one-of-a-kind performer. Together with his trainer, Larry Carden, he can perform more than 60 maneuvers and is always learning something new. Children and adults alike love Bo and his amusing antics. He is part of the Carden elephant troupe which will also be performing.

            The 2008 edition of the Kosair Shrine Circus takes place in Broadbent Arena at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). There are 10 performances:

• Thursday, February 7 -- 10:30 am and 7:00 pm
  
• Friday, February 8 -- 10:30 am and 7:00 pm
  
• Saturday, February 9 -- 10:00 am, 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
  
• Sunday, February 10 -- 10:00 am, 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Reserved seat tickets are $13 and $14, and there are a limited number of floor-seating tickets at $16. Tickets are available at the KEC Ticket office and at Ticketmaster – outlets, by phone at 502-361-3100 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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