Missing at Saturday's Shrine Circus at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds — at least for the late showing — was a protest by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) outside the gate.

The group has had a presence at previous circuses, so one may wonder what the status on that protest front is. If you think the circus is an event of the past, a packed house filled the grandstands to watch animal tricks in addition to daring stunts, including a tight-rope walker who had a close call and had to grab the rope as he was falling with no net below. It wasn't planned as his concentration appeared to be affected for the rest of the act, but he impressively completed the stunts. The circus kept the interest of all ages and then some, including the amazing grand finale of not three, not four, but five motorcycles buzzing around in a round cage.

- Brian Walker