After a one-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Circo Hermanos Vazquez returns to the east parking lot of the North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, from April 30 through May 24.
The Circo Hermanos Vazquez, which has units that tour both Mexico and the United States, was a hit during its first swing through North Riverside, drawing thousands of visitors during its 40-show residence in April 2019.
“It’s like a brand new start,” said Glenn Lindholm, general manager of North Riverside Park Mall on the circus’ return. “It’s a good event for us and it’s a good event for the community.”
While it’s difficult to know just how much additional foot traffic the family-friendly circus brought to the mall, the village reported taking in gross revenues of about $38,500 in 2019 mainly via North Riverside’s amusement tax, which takes a 5-percent cut on all ticket sales.
The village also derived revenue from its places for eating tax through the sale of food and drinks at the circus.
Circo Hermanos Vazquez has scheduled 36 shows this time around – they won’t be offering a matinee performance on Saturdays – but they will perform daily. From Monday to Friday, shows are at 7:30 p.m. On Saturdays, there are two shows, at 5 and 8 p.m. On Sundays, the circus hosts three performances, at 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Tickets are not cheap – general admission for kids 2-10, seniors, military and disabled are $25, while adult general admission is $30.
There is also preferred seating for adults that can go as high as $60 per ticket, but if you order online through the circus’ website (circovazquez.com) there are discounts.
Circo Hermanos Vazquez’s vivid pink and blue big top tent will be located south of Olive Garden/Miller’s Ale House in the mall’s east parking lot, and signs will direct vehicles and visitors where to go.
While the circus will again feature a range of performers, from dancers to trapeze artists to clowns, there are some changes in 2021. The circus no longer includes animals, and in recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, inside the big top both audience members and workers must wear face coverings.
In addition, the circus is limiting attendance to 50 percent for each show, with family groups spaced at least six feet apart from one another. Before each show, workers will sanitize inside the big top and there will be hand-sanitizing stations and other health precautions taken where food and souvenirs are purchased.
In 2019, two circuses visited North Riverside Park Mall – a more adult-themed show took up residence there in August – but Lindholm said Circo Hermanos Vazquez will be the only circus coming to the shopping center this year.
