75 Years in the Making: A Look at the Great Y Circus

Many know of and have seen the Great Y Circus, but fewer know and understand its long and established history. Drawing audiences from around the country, Redlands' Great Y Circus is yet another cultural gem the community can proudly lay claim to, with hundreds of local performers of all ages and skill levels helping bring heart-stopping entertainment to the Inland Empire. With a legacy that has spanned 75 years, an achievement celebrated this year, the Great Y Circus draws its roots back three quarters of a century with a Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey connection. Founded in 1929 by Director Roy Coble, a former Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus clown, and running almost consecutively save for some years during WWII, the Y Circus has grown to include over 300 performers this year. Not only does the program boast impressive participation, but it also holds records: it's the oldest community circus in the world and one of only six programs like it in the country. Birthed as a YMCA family fun night, the circus has grown over the years to include record-breaking numbers of performers, many of whom have a long and vested interest in the circus. With entire families participating each year, or with alumni watching their own children and grandchildren pursue the same childhood dream, the program really is for everyone, explained Director Tanner Greenhalgh. "It's usually a whole family affair," said Greenhalgh, who himself started with the Y circus at nine years old as a performer and for the last three years has been directing the program. "Roy Coble wanted to bring the circus to the Inland Empire, and we have continually been developing and growing since then." Co-sponsored by the Redlands YMCA and nonprofit Community Circus Arts Corporation, the circus is primarily run by volunteers and continues to emphasize family values, responsibility, commitment, self confidence, self discipline, teamwork, dedication, trust, showmanship, skill and fun. Performers both past and present have traveled around the world to entertain a variety of audiences, with many alumni going on to become professional performers. The Great Y Circus season begins in September, when performers ages 3 to 65 begin taking classes to learn non-competitive skills. Performers practice four times a week in preparation for the nine shows the Circus performs in May. Themed "A Circus Legacy," this year's show pays homage to the Circus's roots, incorporating original costumes, circus acts from the shows of yesteryear and old physical circus relics with a modern twist: incorporating media to include visuals from past circus shows. Artistically choreographed acts this year also include sparkling costumes, theatrical lighting and dramatic music. Performances run on the following weekend days: Fridays, May 1, 8 and 15 at 7 p.m.; Saturdays, May 2, 9 and 16 at 5 p.m.; and Sundays, May 3, 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. in the Redlands YMCA Coble gym. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12, with kids under 3 free, and may be purchased at the YMCA lobby, 500 East Citrus Avenue, or by calling the ticket hotline at 909-798-9622 extension 205.