COLUMBUS, Ohio — For kids and families, there’s nothing quite like sitting back and enjoying time at the circus.

From flying trapeze artists to sword balancing and even a human cannonball act, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Aladdin Shrine Circus.

What You Need To Know

  • For 72 years, Aladdin Shrine Circus has stayed faithful to family roots

  • This year's acts include Bella Nock, human cannonball, and everything in-between

  • Circus runs from Friday, March 22 - Sunday, March 24 at the Celeste Center in Columbus

  • Tickets are $15-$30

Times have changed, but so much has stayed the same.

The Aladdin Shrine Circus is one event that has remained genuine to its roots for more than 70 years.

“Preparing for our 72nd circus is just such a thrill,” said Doug Moshier.

This is Moshier’s sixth year as circus director.

“We have Bello Nock. He’s world famous, he’s been on America’s Got Talent, he’s traveled Europe, his family goes all the way back in the circus industry clear back into the 1930s,” Moshier said.

This year is a little bit of a throwback year for the circus.

“Some old traditional things. We’re going to have a plate spinner that will be handling 20 plates floating on top of little rods the whole time,” he said.

From unicycles to camels and dancing dogs, there’s a little something for everyone.

“We don’t have any motorcycles jumping through the air, but we do have a cannon act where somebody is going to be shot across the arena and land into a bag and we haven’t had that since about 2010. So it’s been a long time since we’ve had a cannon act here at the circus,” said Moshier.

Since the beginning, Shriners have always focused on helping build communities and strengthen family bonds.

“The Shriners are there for kids, and one of our focuses with the circus is bringing families together. We want to carve out two and a half hours where mom and dad and their kids can sit down, can laugh, have fun, make memories, and celebrate being a part of a family,” said Moshier.

It’s a celebration of family and fun and a mission that Moshier holds close.

“The Shriners haven’t gone anywhere, we’re not going anywhere, we’re always going to be there to help and support people and the circus is one of those foot-holes or one of the solid pieces of foundation that we’re all about,” he said.

The circus runs from Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24 at the Celeste Center in Columbus.

Tickets range from $15-$30 per person.