IRISH CANADIAN SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CIRCUS EVENT 2007

'Children of all ages' had a great time at the ICS Christmas Circus Event

As the saying goes, a circus is entertainment for 'Children of All Ages' and the FOSSETT'S CHRISTMAS CIRCUS fully lived up to that billing for the 43 ICS members and friends who attended its December 16 matinee performance.

The two-big-top venue on the grounds of Dublin's centrally located Killmainham Hospital featured a delightful pre-show in the first 'big top' where ICS attendees informally interacted and got their pictures taken with the performers, got their faces painted and enjoyed refreshments. The accompanying pictures show just how well ICS 'children of all ages' -- 'Pat the Clown' (aka Pat Cummins, retired senior RCMP officer) and the Philippe family entered into the spirit of the day.

The show itself (a one-ring event - no animals) was performed in a connected, second 'big top' set up with very comfortable seating. Featuring performers from various parts of the world, the show was great entertainment. The clowns were hilarious, the trapeze artists graceful, and the acrobats and jugglers skilful. Most exciting were the tightrope walkers and three dare devil motorbike riders who passed within inches of each other as they sped in horizontal and vertical circles inside an iron cage. Transitions from act to act were smooth and also very entertaining.

'Children of all ages' had a great time at the ICS Christmas Circus Event

Fossett's is Ireland's national circus and oldest entertainment provider. Now involving the 5th generation of the Fossett family, it has been performing continuously since 1888. Not a secret, its success is based on constant updating to ensure that it meets the changing tastes of its multi-age audiences.

The ICS attendees found the event good value for money as well as entertaining. Also greatly appreciated was the ample free parking provided at the Kilmainham Hospital site.

ICS will schedule a Fossett's Christmas Circus event again in December 2008.

Throughout the year, visitors and those living throughout the island can be sure of a most enjoyable experience if they happen to be in an area where the FOSSETT'S CIRCUS is performing.

Dave Wilson, ICS Chair