Here come the elephants and much more to the Midlands as the Jamil Shrine Royal Hanneford three-ring circus makes its 41st appearance in as many years at the Jamil Shrine Temple beginning February 7. The show is under the direction of Nellie Hanneford and her husband Adrian Poema.
“Some people think that the American circus is out of business but there are at least 25 performing circuses today and Hannefords have been entertaining circus fans for more than 300 years beginning in 1690,” said Royal Hanneford Circus matriarch Nellie, daughter of Tommy Hanneford and his wife Struppi. Tommy’s specialty was bareback riding while Struppi was the first performer to put lions and tigers together.
Columbia performances are February 7 at 7 pm, February 8 at 10 am and 7 pm, February 9 at 10 am, 3 pm and 7 pm and February 10 at 1 pm and 6 pm. The Jamil Shrine Temple is located on Jamil Road off I-26 between St. Andrews Road and Piney Grove Road. Genuine family operation with the Hannefords either performing daredevil tricks, behind the scene chores or both. The youngest performer is fourteen-month-old Baylian who can already do a handstand while his grandfather Adrian Poema provides the balance.
For more information and tickets call 803-772-9380 or online at jamilshriners.com.
