By Rita Howell

The circus is coming to town Friday and part of the proceeds from two performances will benefit second and third graders at Batesville Intermediate School.

Funds raised will help local volunteers John Britt and Kay Harmon provide the Terrific Kids program which recognizes achievements by students at the school.

Regular awards programs are held throughout the year to reward BIS students selected by their teachers.

The Carson and Barnes Circus, with almost 100 performers and animals, invites the public to see the raising of the massive “big top” tent in the field at the corner of Highway 51 North and Tiger Drive.

“They can come watch them pull it up, probably between 8:30 and 9:30 Friday morning,” John Britt said.

The tent holds 2,200 people.

Performances will be at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

A free petting zoo will be offered before the shows.

Britt said the coming performance is Carson’s first trip to Batesville in five years.

Anyone may try their luck in a contest to guess the weight of Susie, one of the Asian elephants coming to town. Guesses may be entered at The Panolian.

The person who comes closest to guessing Susie’s weight wins free tickets to the circus.

The deadline to enter is today at 5 p.m.

The Carson and Barnes Circus has been in operation since 1937. The company travels to a new community nearly every day, raising the big top each morning, putting on two performances and then tearing down the tent every night.

The circus uses more than 24 types of domestic and exotic animals, including the second largest herd of elephants in the U.S.

The company supports the Endangered Ark Foundation for the preservation of endangered Asian elephants and other animals.

Circus acts consist of aerial trapeze, high wire, motorcycle acrobatic teams, jugglers and clowns, along with performing elephants, camels, dogs and horses.

Advance tickets are available at Batesville Quality Carpets, First Security Bank, Covenant Bank, Renasant Bank and E-Z Cash.