Our Daily Show Interview! Carden's Circus Coming To Town May 28th!
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HIGHLAND - The Carden Circus promises a spectacular night of fun in Highland.
At 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Madison County Fairgrounds in Highland will host the circus for a two-hour show. Families are encouraged to arrive an hour early for interactive preshow activities. Rulito Videla, the circus’s ringmaster, noted that the experience is perfect for people of all ages, and he can’t wait to bring the show to Illinois.
“The circus is very special,” he said. “From the little boy to the old grandpa, everyone will have a great time at the circus. We have a little bit of everything for everybody. If you’re an animal lover, we have the animal acts. If you love the thrills, we have the thrill acts. We have aerial acts. To stand in the middle and share the stage with all these incredible performers we have this year is really a great pride and privilege.”
The circus’s hourlong preshow starts at 6 p.m. and features face-painting, souvenir photos, camel and pony rides, and meet-and-greets with the performers. Videla promises you can also enjoy “all the delicious circus treats,” including their new deep-fried Oreos.
The show itself includes animals, aerial acts, magical illusions, acrobatics, stunts and more beloved circus fun.
Videla grew up in the circus life; he is a fifth-generation clown. He combines clowning with the ringmaster role for a completely new blend of comedy.
“I’m introducing a new style, a new format of hosting, a new format of comedy,” he said. “The way I get to blend both arts into one, it’s actually getting a really good crowd reaction. It’s funny. The dynamic changes that aspect of the show, and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Videla is especially excited to reveal an acrobatic duo from West Africa and a double-spinning wheel performer who does somersaults 40 feet in the air. He holds a special love for the performing buffalo, who, he added, has “an incredibly strong bond” with its trainer. All of these classic circus acts will be on display on May 28.
Videla shared that the Carden Circus “family” has built a deep sense of community on the road. They traveled over 40,000 miles last year together, and they love checking out new towns and meeting new people at every stop. They can’t wait to bring their show to Madison County.
“Home is where the big top sits,” he said.
He encourages people to buy tickets today, as seats will go quickly. Carden Circus is a unique circus experience that people of all ages can enjoy, and Videla looks forward to sharing their show with the Highland community.
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, prepare to see wonders of one of a kind,” he added. “Here at the circus, we have the thrills, the chills, the animals, the aerial acts, and memories that you will never forget at the all-new spectacular three-ring Carden International Circus.”
For more information, visit their official website.
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