Shriners from the Nile Shrine in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., along with the Whidbey Island Shrine Club and South Whidbey Shrine Club, hosted two circus shows on the Seaplane Base April 15.

The show featured the Argentinean Fusco family, aerial ballet, juggling, balancing acts, animal routines and the high-wire Wallendas.

During a mid-show intermission, families were encouraged to make their way outside to the circus midway for high-wire motorcycle stunts, pony rides, elephant expeditions, face painting and carnival food.

Shriner Gene Gilbert, a retired Marine Colonel living in Oak Harbor, was the main driver to bring the circus to the island.

“These servicemen took care of me during my time in the Marine Corps,” said Gilbert. “I wanted to give the troops something back, something that they hadn’t seen before.”

It has been several years since there was a circus on base. Navy families attending both sold-out shows were excited and anxious to see what the Shriners had to present.

“We went to the 4:30 show and loved it,” said Allison Holcomb who planned ahead and arrived early with her family. “(Our daughter) Mackenzie may never remember this day, but we will and think of it fondly.”

However this seems to be the 1st time an event like this has come to us. We can see what changes and better planning are needed for any future events like this ... more days, more shows, better seating.

Lupe Garcia was pleased with what she called a “small town circus under the big top.”

“I loved it and so did my daughter. I would do it again,” said Garcia. “We don’t get enough events like this here for us to enjoy. I hope to see more (similar) events come our way.”

Although some circus goers were dissatisfied with the procedures for seating and ticket sales, the general consensus from Shriners and attendees was that with more attention to these details in the future and scheduling a third show, the circus is a welcome, regular addition to the Oak Harbor and NAS Whidbey Island communities.

The Shrine Circus was founded in the United States in 1906. It travels to roughly 120 cities per year in the United States.

The Nile Shrine Circus has been presented in Northwest Washington for over 65 years. The circus is a prime fund raiser for the Nile Shrine Center to help maintain the center, as well as to support Shriners hospitals and other Shrine supported charity organizations.