Under the Big Top

Kids today don’t know from circuses; it’s either all Ringling’s bang, pop and elephants or the mystical nonsense of the cirque-style shebang. But the other kind of circus — the mom-and-pop-style extravaganza that’s been in the family since, say, 1842 and travels about from town to town with its tent in tow, is largely unknown to them. So here’s a last chance to give your kids the opportunity to see what it’s like to be right in the action, when the intimate, old-fashioned Zoppé Family Circus puts on its last performances today, ending a three-week stand at the new Mile High Marketplace, 7007 East 88th Avenue in Henderson. And who — meaning you — wouldn’t be charmed by Nino the clown and other Zoppé family performers?

In addition to circus shows at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., the expanded marketplace, which includes a flea market, farmers’ market and specialty shops on its grounds, is also hosting a Circus Arts Festival, with hands-on circus-themed activities for kids from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Circus admission is $5 for children and $10 for adults, or purchase a $20 Family Pack for up to six people at local King Soopers stores or online at www.ticketswest.com (use the offer code NINO for a family discount). For additional information, go to www.milehighmarketplace.com or call 303-289-4656.
Fridays, 2, 5 & 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m., 2 & 5 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m., 2 & 5 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 6, 5 p.m.; Mon., Sept. 7, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Starts: Aug. 28. Continues through Sept. 13, 2009