It’s been a long time since the circus has come to town in Somers — 73 years to be exact.

That’s why it will be a special day for the lakeside community when the Culpepper and Merriweather Great Combined Circus rolls into town on Tuesday, June 25. Billed as “America’s favorite big top circus,” the Culpepper and Merriweather entourage has been traveling the country for 29 years, bringing a touch of old-fashioned America to towns across the nation.

The Somers stop on Culpepper and Merriweather’s tour came about purely by chance.

“Dennis Hatton from the Somers Bay Café said he had been contacted by the circus and they were looking for a stop midway between their last performance in Troy and their next one in Browning,” said Tom Sliter with the Somers Company Town Project. “Their front man had stopped in Somers and had breakfast at the Café, spotted the vacant field in town and proposed that they perform here. We voted on it, and decided to try it.”

Some of the proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the Somers Company Town Project, which is dedicated to preserving the history of Somers.

“The opportunity presented itself, and we jumped on it,” Sliter said. “We just got our 501(c)3 status from the federal government, and we’ve had success with fundraisers in the past, so we’re hoping this will be a big success.”

Featured on National Geographic’s Explorer TV series, Entertainment Tonight, Nickelodeon and more, the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus packs a lot of entertainment into one ring.

This year’s lineup includes an all-star group of performers and entertainers that include Miss Simone and her amazing single trapeze, Miss Paulina’s proud prancing ponies, The Arlise Troupe on its wild and crazy unicycles, Natilie’s American Eskimo Escapades, the Ayala’s unforgettable foot-juggling, a ridiculous Rola Bola and a hair-raising Hair Hang, according to circus representatives.

No circus would be complete without clowns and animals, and Culpepper and Merriweather features pony rides, camels and jungle cat performances “sure to have you on the edge of your seats.”

In addition, the show features original music, a moon-bounce, concessions and more.

Two performances are scheduled at 5 and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, just north of the Somers Post Office. Each show is approximately 90 minutes.

Tickets are available the day of the performance or in advance at all Sliters Hardware locations as well as at the Somers Bay Café. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 2 to 12. Tickets at the door are $13 for adults and $7.50 for children.

Get in on the act the morning of the circus to watch the big top go up and see the traveling show come alive. Between 9:30 and 10 a.m. the tent will take shape and visitors are encouraged to stay for a free tour, offering a face-to-face opportunity to meet performers and the people who make the magic happen.

Visitors will also learn about the hygiene, grooming and veterinary care of all the animals in the show. The public is encouraged to attend and learn about the history of the circus and its performers.

According to circus representatives, the tour and tent-raising have become popular with children and adults alike, presenting the circus in a way most people haven’t seen before.

“So far, I’ve been tickled with the ticket sales,” Sliter said. “I think this is going to be a good thing for us, and a great thing for the community. It will be fun for the whole family. People in the community have been really excited about it. Our employees have families and kids, and this is perfect for a lot of people.”

If the event is as successful as Sliter hopes, Somers may see the circus in town again.

“If everything goes like we hope, we’ll bring them back,” he said. “And we won’t wait 70 years to do it, either.”

Reporter Melissa Walther may be reached at 758-4474 or by email at mwalther@dailyinterlake.com.