District 205 Foundation is Bringing the Circus Back to Elmhurst Next Month

Elmhurst District 205 Foundation for Educational Excellence, with major sponsorship from the Elmhurst Jaycees and platinum sponsorship from Kensington School, will present The Kelly Miller Circus Friday, Sept.6, at Sandburg Middle School, 345 E. St. Charles Road.  

Rain or shine, show times for the old-fashioned traveling circus under the big top are 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Advanced ticket price for adults is $16 and  children (2-11) are $10. Ringside box seats are $25, and discounted group rates for 12 children or more are available.  


The Kelly Miller Circus has been coming to Elmhurst for years, and many local residents have made it an annual family event. Pat Hatz, a longtime Elmhurst resident who is now a great-grandmother, recalled bringing her grandchildren to the circus, and this year, she's bringing her 2-year-old great-grandson to this year’s circus.

“You see everything you’d see at a big circus in a much more intimate setting—every seat in the tent is good,” she said.

Last year, the circus played a role for some Sandburg Middle School students. Sandburg teacher Corey Zock made arrangements with the proprietors of the circus to take his classes out to the big top to share the story, “Fallen Angel,” by Evan Hunter. This classic short story has as its setting a small traveling circus. Having an actual circus backdrop during the reading of this story provided an added dimension to instruction and resulted in a lively discussion.  

This year represents the fourth year that the Foundation, the Kelly Miller Circus, and the Special Kids Day Organization have worked together to present a unique performance at no cost for children with special needs and their families.

“Many of these children are not able to comfortably attend or enjoy a live performance,” Foundation Board member Martin Franchi said. “So this brings elements of the show to them in a way that is not intimidating or overwhelming. We are excited to provide this opportunity for these children.”  

To RSVP for the 10 a.m. Special Kids Day Performance, call (630) 530-7700.

The community is invited to watch as the circus elephants erect the Big Top at about 8:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Attendees will have an opportunity to observe the animals up close and learn about the circus from performers and trainers. 

Proceeds from the event will benefit the District 205 Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to innovations in education and the advancement of excellence in Elmhurst's public schools. This year’s fundraising goals are focused on funding classroom sets of NOVA 5000s for the middle schools to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, Thiems grants, and Study Skills Academies in most elementary and middle schools. For more information visit www.elmhurst205.org/foundation.

Elmhurst Jaycees are a nonprofit local chapter of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce. They give those between the ages of 21 and 39 the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service and international connections. 

Kensington School has provided more than 40 years of early childhood education at eight suburban locations. Kensington School of Elmhurst is due to open next spring on Spring Road, just south of St. Charles Road.

For information or to purchase circus tickets visit www.elmhurst205.org/foundation or call 630-617-2376.