Shrine Circus History
The Shrine Circus is an event that started in 1906 in the United States. The circus visits over 120 cities every year, as well as over 40 in Canada. The Shrine Circus is named after the "Shriners," also known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The Shrine Circus often has another word prefacing the Shrine Circus name based on the host city. For example, the Midian Shrine Circus, the Hadi Shrine Circus or the Moslem Shrine Circus are named after organizations or shrine temples in their area.
First Shows
Detroit is the home of the first Shrine Circus show in 1906. Detroit calls their Shrine Circus the Moslem Shrine Circus after the Moslem Shrine center. The second show was performed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Tripoli Temple. The Shrine Circus that performs there is known as the Tripoli Shrine Circus. This circus is the largest one today.
Shriners
The Shriners have assisted the Shrine Circuses throughout history. These men are determined in raising funds to support children's hospitals and burn units across the country. Many Shriners participate in the circus as musicians, artists and clowns.
Famous Stars
Throughout Shrine Circus history there have been famous circus star appearances. Clyde Beatty, Emmet Kelly, The Concellos, The Wallendas, the Zacchinis and the Hannefords are some of those stars. The flying Wallendas are the most famous of the group. The Wallendas are a performing family that is famous for their ten person pyramid.
Growth
Since the 1920s, the Shrine Circus has begun in January and is held in Flint, Michigan. This is still the tradition today. The circus now lasts until late November. The last two shows are held in Evansville, Indiana and New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1925, the circus grew from being a one ring event to being a three ring event. Each ring has a different act occurring at the same time with over 40 performances every show.
Shrine Temples
Many Shrine Circuses are sponsored by Shrine Temples that collect donations for charity. Mr. George Hamid, Sr. established this first association in the early 1930s. Hamid worked with Robert Morton, and together they created the Hamid-Morton Shrine Circus. This circus was the first one to produce shows for Shrine temples and other sponsors in order to gain funds for charity.
