The circus is back in town – a Grand County tradition, Zoppé: an Italian Family Circus will perform in Fraser this summer, capturing the imagination of young and old alike.

Families can step inside an enormous blue-and-white Big Top tent adorned with international flags representing the homes of the performers inside from July 21-31. Attendees can get up close and personal to the circus ring, where clowns act out a story, acrobats leap and tumble through aerial stunts, equestrians show off skill from the saddle and canine performers get a time to shine.

In 1842, a man named Napoline Zoppé was performing as a street clown. He fell in love with Ermenegilda, an equestrian ballerina. Since Napoline was a street performer, Ermenegilda’s family disproved of their romance. The couple ran away together, founding Zoppé Circus, which lives on today.

Zoppé has been bringing this ancient entertainment around the world since 1842. Attendees are transported back in time as they experience classic acts. The family has handed down the ancient art form from parent to child.

The circus is run by Giovanni Zoppé, with his wife, Jeanette Prince-Zoppé, as marketing director. Director Giovanni performs with his siblings and children in the ring with him.

The performers work alongside the Zoppé family. Giovanni, a sixth-generation performer, plays the clown “Nino” in addition to directing. Circus entertainment runs in the family’s blood, bonding them together. Giovanni’s father originally produced the Zoppé Circus in Italy; then brought the act to America. He also produced circuses for the famous Ringling Brothers, though the Zoppé Circus stretches back even farther than the Ringling Brothers era.

Now this history plays out in front of audiences right here in Grand County. The first time the circus performed in their impressive blue and white big top tent was at Winter Park Resort 13 years ago. After their time at Winter Park Resort, they connected with Grand Park to continue to host the circus in Fraser.

The Zoppé family will also offer their popular children’s camp this year. Zoppé Circus is only one of two big-top circuses that offers a kids’ camp in the United States. Kids will learn acrobatic and clowning skills, while also learning showmanship and self-confidence.

This summer, the camp will be held from July 24-28, for children ages five to 17 years old. Families and friends can come fill up the stands to cheer for the kids during their final performance on the last day of camp, which models a traditional circus show.

To register for the children’s camp or purchase tickets for the circus, visit Zoppe.net. Eligible veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders and their families can request free tickets through Veteran Tickets Foundation at VetTix.org or First Tickets Foundation at 1stTix.org.