Circus to debut at Weirs Beach in July

LACONIA — The Granite State Circus is preparing to debut its first summer season in the Lakes Region . The original show, "Dream Baby Dream," will play from July 2 through September 5, every day except Tuesdays, under the big top at Faro's Restaurant in Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. The ticket and schedule link can be found at www.granitestatecircus.com.

Granite State Circus is a small family owned show based in Antrim, featuring acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, dancing goats and more. It is the project of Sara Greene and her daughter, Gigi, who at nine years old is already a seasoned performer.

"We are so excited to be able to contribute to what the Lakes Region has to offer its summer visitors. We are looking forward to bringing great family entertainment to Weirs Beach. This is real Americana. I think the circus will be a perfect fit," said Greene. "We think of ourselves as "Neo-Traditional. Granite State Circus is modeled on the small company shows of Europe with roots in the traditional circus of America." Greene began her circus career on the streets of Galway, Ireland, came back to the US as a horse groom on Big Apple Circus and started training herself as an aerialist, discovered a passion for the tent, and decided she was "home." After many years touring with different shows and having worked in almost every aspect of the circus from performing, to building props and costumes, to fly-in tent specialist, directing and producing seemed like a logical next step. It is also the adventure of a lifetime.

According to Greene, "Building a small circus here in America is no small feat. It is not only the creative and logistical challenge that interests me, it is about increasing access to circus as a constantly evolving traditional art form. For the public, the circus arts are more relevant than ever. In an increasingly virtual world, it is important to witness people performing physical acts in real time, with real sweat, and with real beauty. We need more small shows where people can go fall in love with the circus, whether they are a spectator or a young person who is curious about circus work."

Tickets are available at www.granitestatecircus.com and at the door.