'It Is A Good Time': Akdar Shrine Circus Returns To Expo Square In Tulsa

The circus is in town!

The Akdar Shrine Circus is inside the Pavilion at Expo Square through Sunday, February 25.

It has been a tradition for families in Tulsa for 79 years.

"We look out into the crowd there is plenty of laughing, smiling faces, they love it," said Potentate of the Akdar Shrine, Chris Hammond. "It is a good time."

Ari Steeples is this year's ringmaster and has been leading the show since the 80's.

"I grew up in Circus, my first act was a unicycle act in 1979 and I learned to juggle, walk tight wire, and all those things and I actually kind of just fell into the ringmaster job," he said.

Steeples thought he had seen every act imaginable until this year. "For the first time ever, we have an Aztec warrior that rides out on a buffalo which is pretty amazing," he added.

The dazzling acts do not stop there. In the center ring there are gravity-defying stunts and flying above are trapeze artists.

Doors open one hour before each performance for camel, pony, and elephant rides and face painting.

Attendees can also do any of those during the show's intermission.

While the circus is known for its entertainment, the Shriners use it to support a greater cause.

"We supply transportation and lodging to kids going back and forth to their doctor's appointments and hospital appointments," said Hammond.

The showtimes this weekend are 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The final show is free for first responders and military personnel.

Tickets can be purchased HERE. Children 2 and under get in free.