on February 26, 2008 the Shrine Circus was one hundred and two years old. It is still a vital institution bringing quality entertainment to over 120 cities each year.

The Shrine Circus began life at the Light Guard Armory in Detroit, Michigan for the Moslem Shrine Center. The Armory was demolished several years ago, but the State historical marker at the former site proudly proclaims its contribution to circus history.

The circus was originally a one-ring affair, but by 1925 it had grown to three rings. That year it transferred to a larger building at the State Fair Grounds. There it continued to grow and prosper. In 1996, it ran for 17 days with 40 performances making it not only the oldest Shrine Circus, but also the biggest.

By the 1920s Shrine Circuses were being conducted throughout the country, and each year additional Shrine Centers introduced circuses to their communities. The first Shrine Circus each year is usually in Flint, Michigan in January. Then there is at least one Shrine Circus each week until late November. The last ones usually being held Thanksgivings week in Evansville, Indiana and New Orleans, Louisiana.

The circus and the Shrine are a natural combination. Shriners are fun-loving men devoted to raising money to support their children's hospitals and burn units, and the circus is an institution designed specifically to entertain -- with a bent toward children. In fact many Shrine Circuses include Shriners as clowns and musicians.

Over the years just about every circus star has appeared in the Shrine Circus: Clyde Beatty, the Wallendas, Emmett Kelly, the Flying Concellos, the Hannefords and the Zacchinis. At the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Shrine Circus a special benefit performance was held to honor some of the circus greats, and an association to preserve Shrine Circus history was established.

Come out and see the Salaam Shrine Circus and be a part of this great tradition.