The Manhasset Rotary Foundation presented the eighth annual Manhasset Children's Circus on Thursday, Sept. 25, with two shows at Memorial Field.

Don Zerbarini volunteered for the two shows because he enjoys the sheer pleasure of entertaining children. He said he loves seeing the smiles on their faces. The circus was held for the first time October of 2001, a time Rotarians believed the kids needed something to smile about. A good many Rotarians work hard on the event and if the circus shows any net profit, it is donated to local charities.

The Zerbini Circus is a full-fledged one-ring circus with clowns, acrobats, jugglers and non-dangerous animals-dogs, horses and camels. The circus acts change each year so the magic is guaranteed. And you are invited ringside during intermission for a photo op with a boa constrictor. Just before performances children can ride the horses and camels. Jenny Nineroff's favorite part of the circus is the pony rides.

The circus is made possible mostly by several very generous sponsors: Kelly Marie Moulton Foundation; Sovereign Bank; King Kullen; Total Dollar Management; Prudential Douglas Elliman; and Barbara and Robbie Donno.

The sponsorships allow preschool children through sixth grade to attend free. It also raises funds for Rotary's charitable endeavors. Dick Law greeted the crowd just inside the Big Tent selling "raindrops" for $1 to support the Rotary sponsored Gift of Life Program. This October the 10,000th child will receive life saving heart surgery through the program.

The circus clowns seemed to love what they were doing. Between shows, in an attempt to interview one who did not speak English, the performer simply grabbed the pad and penned his autograph. What else could a reporter want?

Sophia Weitman was waiting excitedly for the show to begin, especially anticipating the clowns, acrobats and the guy on the giant ball.

Villa Milano is a crowd pleaser too and following both performances circus goers spilled into the pizzeria for a slice. Beth Kantor, there with her son Devon, allowed the dogs are really cute. She also liked the man from Mexico City "who does this thing clicking his heels while he snaps a cigarette out of another person's mouth-- really scary" she admitted, "but he was entertaining."

Bob Moulton, eschewing red velvet for Madras, acted as Ring Master and welcomed the crowd.

And a short time later, inside the big top, applause rippled as acts followed in dizzying succession. Dogs, horses, camels, jugglers, trampoline wizards, clowns, acrobats-all for the sheer delight of the children. A resounding success! Jake Shefcik contributed to this article.