A look back at Pierce Township’s circus show

The Cincinnati Circus Company performed in Pierce Township Park last month. Thunderstorms threatened the show, but the skies cleared shortly before performers took to the stage. Attendees took photos and videos of the event. Connect Clermont published highlights of the show's best moments and discusses its greater impact on the community.

The Cincinnati Circus is a troupe of clowns, magicians, acrobatists, and other great acts. Founded in 1999 by sideshow extraordinaire Dave Willacker, the Circus has been active throughout the Greater Cincinnati region, appearing in Clermont County on numerous occasions. These entertainers travel to college campuses, birthday parties, festivals, and park events to provide smiles for the entire family.

Cincinnati Circus Company at Pierce Township Park

According to the company’s website, they provide several different acts to choose from, including a robust rental department for events. The Circus also offers comedy and corporate events.

Concerns about the May 16 performance arose when thunderstorms rained out Pierce Township Park. Fortunately, the waterworks ended just before the scheduled first act. Dozens of residents set up their lawn chairs and prepared for the show.

Jugglers wandered around the crowd, posing for pictures and keeping spirits high. Live music also created an immersive circus environment, which the children appreciated. As expected for any good Clermont event, local food trucks were out en masse.

The main event featured a ringmaster, followed by twisting gymnasts and death-defying knife throwers. A Clermont resident volunteered to have a balloon burst out of his hand with a freshly sharpened blade.

Many attendees gathered around the Thrill Tower, where an acrobatics expert performed tricks on an airborne cage.

Storms held off until the concluding act, and circus-goers made their way home.

Arts and entertainment industry grows in Clermont

The Cincinnati Circus Company is just one of many traveling entertainment groups in Clermont County. Over the last decade, the area has attracted new venues for art, music, and entertainment, funded by the donations of residents and visitors.

Recent commercial growth in Union Township and along the State Route 32 corridor has become a hotspot for artist commissions and live events.

The Cincinnati Metro area supports over 39,000 jobs for artists and entertainers. This industry generates roughly $396 million in annual economic impact every year across the region.

Dave Willacker juggles at the park
CincinnatiCircus.com

A closer look at these numbers suggests that Clermont County is at the epicenter of one of the Midwest's most active art scenes.

Plans to revitalize Clermont’s small-town art culture

The Cincinnati Circus Company offered a unique experience for Pierce Township residents during their last visit. Many families used to travel outside the neighborhood to enjoy live entertainment. In recent years, local organizers and community leaders created a plan to make the county a place where families can enjoy entertainment within their own townships and villages.

Residents express mixed reactions toward recent growth in Clermont County. Fears that expanding developments in rural areas may diminish the community’s small-town feel do not go unaddressed.

Connect Clermont and other local organizations highlight these concerns in the Agenda For the Future 2035 strategy.

Living statue performer
CincinnatiCircus.com

The Agenda for the Future 2035 plan also promotes community vibrancy, offering more opportunities for artists to network and connect with businesses and organizations in the area. These plans ensure that Clermont residents have a say in shaping their cultural identity and create space for groups like the Cincinnati Circus Company to return with more laughs and surprises.

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