Flynn Creek Circus is coming to town
Part 1: This popular circus returns to the Sebastopol Grange with a new show
This is part one of our two-part coverage of Flynn Creek Circus. We will be posting Part 2: “Circus as a spiritual practice” tomorrow.
Now may be the moment we’ve all been waiting for—those of us who dream of running away to join the circus, that is. Because Flynn Creek Circus is coming to town! Mendocino’s own much-vaunted traveling show returns to the Sebastopol Grange Aug. 3-6 for the fourth time since 2017, and the troupe is bringing their Big Top Tent with them once again.
“Flynn Creek introduced their brand new and beautiful red-and-white tent last year, allowing for more room within the tent, a larger stage for bigger acts and, of course, the wonderful and whimsical wonder that a circus tent has generated over history,” says Sebastopol Grange Hall Manager Jeanna Collet.
Also as per usual, this year’s act includes a new and unique story. Nicole Laumb, who has worked at Flynn Creek Circus since 2016 in various capacities including marketing manager and performer, says the new story includes many styles of flying aerial acts, record-breaking juggling, acrobatics, contortion, mime, magic and sideshow.
“It’s a great mix of humor and beauty, and has a lot of surprises,” Laumb said. “A big draw of Flynn Creek Circus is that they make a new show every season. Blaze Birge and David Jones are the owners and directors, and make an original narrative every year that the circus acts weave into. This year the theme is ‘Desert Myth,’ and the circus acts are following a nomad lost in the desert and the characters he meets along the way like the Cacti, Vultures, Sandstorm and Moon, to name a few.”
It’s a busy summer for the troupe of roughly 20 people, who tour for three to five months each season. This year’s season runs from June to October, during which time the circus is traveling around Northern California and Oregon, building the tent and putting on shows in a new location each week.
The Sebastopol Grange shows will run two hours, with a 15-minute intermission. They begin with a Family Special show Thursday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m., and run through Sunday, Aug. 6, at 4 p.m., with two shows on most days and the “Adults Only” show playing once each on Friday and Saturday evening. Tickets are available online and at the door and range from $18 to $185, and seating options include bar stools, garden benches, VIP tables and more. In addition, concessions—including cotton candy, local draft beers, fine wines and more—are available on site and for pre-order. Be sure to check out the ticket, seating and concessions options here.
The Grange benefits from the shows by receiving a percentage of sales that is used to maintain the hall and provide community scholarships. It’s win-win for the Grange and for the people of Sebastopol.
“The circus has been a success!” says Collet. “Many folks leave inspired and are always eager to return. The Grange loves the creativity and fun that the Circus breathes into life at our Hall. The producers are professional and safe while encouraging laughter, awe and genuine curiosity. We all benefit from laughter and curiosity!”
Laumb makes no bones about how the Flynn Creek crew feels about Sebastopol, saying:
“We are thrilled to be back in Sebastopol and see familiar faces coming to see our new creation this season, and we would love to welcome new folks into the Flynn Creek Circus experience.”
Flynn Creek Circus, Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Thu-Sat, Aug. 3-6. Show times vary. Tickets available at www.flynncreekcircus.ticketspice.com/sebastopol-desert-myth-2023
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