India Shrine Circus returns to OKC Fairgrounds

The India Shrine Circus returns to Oklahoma City on Thursday, bringing with it a weekend of excitement and events.

The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch stopped by the circus to speak with Eddie Burns, the India Shrine Circus' potentate, or monarch, before the first show to learn more.

Q: What can people expect? Why do people get excited about the circus?

A: Tonight we have our first show starting at 7 p.m. we have three shows tomorrow, starting at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and again at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, we have a 2:00 and a 6:30 p.m. show, so in those shows, you're gonna see outfits for sure. That's gonna be the big attraction for all of us. We got a pig too. That pig's gonna be pretty awesome, it's gonna be dressed. We do have some clowns running around here, some acrobats that will also be doing their thing, so a lot is gonna be going on here.

Q: What does it mean to be one of the last events here in Jim Norick Arena?

A: This is the very last Shriners Circus that's going to happen at Jim Norick. Jim Norick was a Shriner, he was also a potentate in 1969; he was also mayor, so it's a very big historical event for the Shriners here locally. Being the last time in this event facility, [it's] going to be a little sad on that deal.

The News 9 team also spoke with one of the circus clowns, Larry, to learn more about the show.

Q: Have you been a clown for a long time?

A: My whole life. This is my life's dream at eight years old, and I get to live it every day. This year, I'm doing it here at the India Shrine Circus, getting to live my life's dream.

Q: What is life like as a clown?

A: It's the greatest thing in the world. Somebody's paying me to travel all of America, play some of the greatest cities, like Oklahoma City, and then I also perform for the families here, so it's nothing but joy. All I get to do is make people laugh for a living, and I get paid for it and travel.

Q: What do you do during the show? What are some of the highlights?

A: I'm actually the clown with the circus. There are two types of clowns here at the show. We've got our India shrine to clowns who go all year long, entertaining the locals, and then I travel with the show to get the big laughs in.

To learn more about the show and to purchase tickets, visit the India Shrine Circus website.