Come one, come all! The Ararat Shrine Circus is coming to town!
Ararat Shrine Circus will be performing at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena in Independence, Missouri, November 16-18. This is the 83 rd annual performance of the Ararat Shrine Circus.
According to Mike Wheeler of the Ararat Shrine Circus, you can expect to see all of your favorites including elephants, camels, and other acts. Not to mention the famous Ararat Shrine clowns! This is a true 3-ring circus which is not always easy to find these days. 
When it comes to the care of their circus animals, Wheeler stated that their animals are visited and inspected by USDA veterinarians before they travel to each venue. The animals are also inspected locally by officials in Independence, Missouri before they perform to ensure their health and wellbeing. By all accounts, the animals are pampered and looked after like and extension of family, according to Wheeler.
The radical animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has been contacting the circus, asking it not to bring any animals.
They have cited an incident that occurred in Pennsylvania a few months ago with another circus in which a camel spooked and several people were bucked off the camel. A thorough investigation confirmed that the case was nothing but an accident and there were no serious injuries. Authorities have dropped the matter.
For many children and adult, alike, visiting the circus can be their only opportunity to see some animals like camels and elephants up close. As exotic animal experts have noted, there is no “wild” anymore. With habitat loss and land all over the world transformed for development, many wild species have nowhere to go. As with many exotic animals, the only way to help save them from extinction is by keeping them in human care. Private ownership of exotic animals by people who operate wildlife reserves, circuses, game parks, and breeding facilities, are the key to the survival for many endangered species. More than anyone, these owners want to see these animals thrive. This is how a circus like the Ararat Shrine Circus is contributing to conservation.
Ararat Shrine Circus also has a philanthropic mission. Shriners believe in service and they are dedicated to Shrine Hospitals for Children. It’s part of their creed to care for the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from burns and crippling diseases. All Shriners today contribute a small portion of their annual membership dues to the Shrine Hospital system.
Shrine Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 non-profit medical facilities across North America. Children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
Shrine Hospitals, such as the one in St. Louis, have been ranked as one of the most popular charities/non-profits in America. The Shriners also send thousands of children to the circus each year free of charge with proceeds from the Shriners’ Open Buddy Bass Tournament Along with donations to the hospitals, income from the circus supports the Shrine fraternity so they can continue their good works.
The Ararat Shriners have been in Kansas City since 1888. President Harry Truman was one of their members for more than 50 years.
Come out and see the Ararat Shrine Circus and support a good cause. The circus is an Independence tradition and it really is fun for all ages.
For ticket information call (816) 923-1975. Tickets are available now at ticketmaster.com (adults $2245, children $12-35). Performances are scheduled for November 16-18, 2018 at Independence Events Center on Friday 11/16 at 7:30 pm; Saturday 11/17 at 10:00 am, 2:30 pm, and 7:30 pm; and on Sunday 11/18 at 2:00 pm. Website: kcshrinecircus.com/
The above article written and published by The Cavalry Group, LLC. Contact: Mindy Patterson, P: 855-748-4210 E: mindy@thecavalrygroup.com W: www.thecavalrygroup.com
