Once again the Manhasset Rotary Foundation has arranged for a children's circus, free for children grades six and under. It will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the field immediately in front of the Manhasset High School. Performances will be at 4:45 p.m. and again at 6:45 p.m.

This year, the generous sponsors of this annual event are Citibank (in a major way), King Kullen Grocery Co., Independence Community Bank, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, The DeWitt Family and the Manhasset Rotary Foundation.

This is a full-fledged one-ring circus with clowns, aerialists, jugglers and non-dangerous animals.

Met Life Manager Ted Mageau is directing the publication of a program and the sale of advertisements with the help of Fred Geiger and others.

Jim Stipp, owner of Blaich Insurance, is directing the distribution of tickets via Bank of America (formerly Fleet Bank), Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Citibank, the SCA and Independence Community Bank.

Manhasset Schools Director of Community Relations Brenda Damiani has arranged for flier preparation, transportation of children where necessary, including liaison with student organizations.

Manhasset Schools Director of Physical Facilities Armand Markarian has helpfully arranged for the appropriate setting and amenities.

Tony DeStefano, Manhasset landscaper and owner of a major garden center, will repair the circus field if needed.

Parking will be under the direction of Tony Buzzitta, a Manhasset dentist. The circus workforce of Manhasset Rotary members will be run by Fred Geiger, former Manhasset bank manager.

The project was originated in 2001 by the Manhasset Rotary Club and is repeated this year under its new president, Ted Mageau. (Anyone not mentioned has my apology.)

The Alain Zerbini Circus under the big top started in the USA in 1992. Before that time, the Zerbini family of circus performers and owners go back over a century. Originating in France, the Zerbini's owned circuses and toured throughout Europe and Africa. Julian Zerbini brought his family to the USA in 1968 working as a high wire artist in all the top name circuses.

Unfortunately, in 1991 there was an accident. A faulty wire snapped, Alain fell to the circus ring 40 feet below and was told by doctors shortly after he would never walk again. True to his nature, he was not willing to accept this and after months of rehabilitation, Alain decided to give it all he had and opened the Alain Zerbini Circus. Then it was a small big top, seating 500 people. It has grown to a new red and white striped tent with a capacity of just over 1,000. Alain's determination grew with the circus and contradicting the doctor's diagnosis, he not only managed the circus but also returned to performing.

Viewing the circus show, you may see Alain Zerbini performing aerial acts, balancing acts and his favorite, animal acts. The circus travels over eight months a year and is a favorite at a number of county fairs.

The circus show changes in its entirety every year so it can return to the same towns.