Juggling, circus arts fest returns to Panther Valley

Some of the country’s most accomplished jugglers and circus artists will bypass the big top to perform at Panther Valley Junior Senior High School this weekend.

The annual Pocono Juggle/Circus Arts Fest attracts hundreds of jugglers, from hobbyists to Cirque du Soleil performers who perform and hold workshops to share their skills.

Kim Laird and Rob Barowski, two local teachers who also happen to have deep connections in the world of circus arts, started the event about a decade ago and continue to bring world class talent to the area.

“We pull our performers from all over — people who have toured throughout the world,” Laird said. “We have world champions.”

The festival takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Panther Valley Junior-Senior High School.

The highlight is Saturday night’s “Big Show,” which begins at 7 p.m.

Laird said the talent assembled for the Big Show is on par with something you would see in a major city.

“If it were in Scranton or Philadelphia, the cost of a ticket would be $50-$60 for the caliber of entertainment we’re bringing in,” she said.

Performers in the show include:

• Kyle Driggs, who recently performed in Cirque du Soleil’s PARAMOUR!

• Faith Violet, the festival’s first featured aerialist artist.

• Dan Grider, a professional juggler who has performed with the New York City Opera and during an NFL halftime show among many other venues.

• Marysia Kochac, a “balancer of all things that fit on the tip of a nose.”

• Performers from circus arts schools including Philadelphia’s Circadium, Trenton Circus Squad, and the Circus Place in New Jersey.

The emcee for the big show is Cate Flaherty, a longtime street performer who has performed her solo show in 11 different countries.

Earlier in the day, the public can learn the basic skills which the performers then take to a different level.

At no cost, members of the public can come and learn skills, even if they have no experience in the juggling arts.

In addition to juggling, there’s “Rolla bolla” a skill which involves balance, aerial silks, a “Human hamster ball” and many more circus arts skills.

“Even if you’re a rock bottom beginner, as long as it’s a safe situation and we feel you’re physically able, you can try it,” she said.

Throughout the weekend, jugglers catch up with friends from the juggling community. The juggling world is tight knit.

Laird said she’s proud of the fact that they enjoy coming to the festival year after year.

Laird shares her passion for juggling with her high school students because it can help them deal with anxiety and teach lessons about overcoming failure.

For more information about the event, visit poconojugglecircusartsfest.webstarts.com.

Tickets for the “Big Show” will be sold Friday and Saturday at the event.