“Circus Extreme” 2015 edition of Ringling Bros./Barnum & Bailey

Every year, Chicago area families know that” The Greatest Show on Earth ” will return. Yes, just like we know every spring our two baseball teams will be back for more thrills and chills, and every fall, football comes back to Soldier Field and basketball and hockey return to the United Center. This is how the seasons change for us. The United Center is also the home of Disney on Ice and right now, with the Allstate Arena, it is THAT time- “The Greatest Show on Earth”, this year, “Circus Extreme” is delighting kids of all ages. It is the 145th year of this special time in the life of a family. This year’s edition redefines the word “Extreme” as it merges what we think of as traditional Circus fare and spectacles that have never been seen before, not only in the circus setting, but perhaps, anywhere!.

High-wire wizardry, motorcycle trick riders that will thrill and delight (as well as deafen), trampoline bounces that will have you unable to blink as you will not want to miss a vision, and even skydiving inside (with the use of safety bungee cords). Two and a half hours of thrills and chills that will keep everyone in the family entertained. Clowns, animals and of course edge-of-the-seat excitement. What would a circus be without acrobats and thrilling special shows featuring contortionists and strong-men. They have it all, but as the years go on, they just get better!

The Circus is now at The Allstate Arena thru the 15th and then they take it all down and move to The United Center  from the 19th of November thru the 29th. Brought to you by  Feld Entertainment , a company that is truly family entertainment personified, they understand the need for family entertainment and deliver! They also are aware of the high cost of entertainment, so in keeping with their tradition of making the circus highly affordable, tickets start at $20 and parking is FREE. There are also opportunities to buy backstage VIP tour, where one can see props, costumes and take photos up close and personal.

Can’t afford the VIP, guess what. Feld offers a pre-show one hour before every performance- fun for all where one can even learn some circus skill. Who knows, your little clown, might just be a clown. To order your tickets call 800-745-3000 or www.ringling.com or the local venue box office. United Center  312-455-4500/Allstate 847-635-6601. To do the VIP package, a once in a lifetime experience, log on to www.ringlingbros.expapp.com from any smartphone.

Just a side note- even though parking is free, and tickets are as low as $20, be prepared for the food and souveniers- they will cost you dearly, but at the same time, a family outing and memory is something worth investing in, isn’t it?