Despite temperatures that reached 102 degrees hundreds of people turned out for the Culpepper and Meriweather one-ring circus Sunday afternoon at the Grandview Plaza City Pack

They packed into the big tent to watch performances by tigers and a lion, jugglers, and clowns, among various acts.  The event raised money to help the Grandview Plaza Fire Department purchase a thermal imaging camera.

Michelle Musser is a clown with the circus. “We are a traditional one-ring American show, but we’re kind of a rarity because about 40 years ago there used to be 30 traveling Big Top circuses like this.  Now there’s only seven that are traveling in the U.S. “

Musser enjoys performing in the circus. “Oh I do, I love it. It has to be in your bones though. Not everyone can do this kind of work.”

Foot juggling, comedy magic act, and an act by American Eskimo puppy dogs,  and Jungle Cats involving two tigers and a lion were all part of the circus.

The heat was a challenge on Sunday. Musser sighed and chuckled, “Well you just got to keep pushing through it.” The circus is on an eight month long tour that includes two shows per day seven days a week. When asked how they keep that pace Musser replied, “Coffee.”

Grandview Plaza Fire Chief Jerome Thomas confirmed three people were treated for heat related illness, but recovered.

It was a successful fundraising event. Thomas confirmed $4,000 was raised. The cost of a thermal imaging camera runs in a range from $4,500 to $9,000.