Circus Hits Rupp Arena in August
The circus is returning to Lexington with all its fanfare. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey hits Rupp Arena on Aug. 27-29 with its exotic animals, entertaining clowns, daring acrobats and talented performers.
The performance’s theme is “Zing Zang Zoom.” Zingmaster Alex will lead audiences through extraordinary worlds of fantasy, flight and more, all the while warding off the cynical Mr. Gravity who, along with his team of “heavies,” tries to bring everyone down.
Among the highlights will be an elephant disappearing and two female human cannonballs flying across the arena.
Shows are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tickets range from $12 to $85. Info: 233-3535.

Registration is now open for young artists looking to exhibit at the Explorium of Lexington’s annual Museum Go Round event. This year, the Oct. 16 event will kick off the Explorium’s 20th anniversary. To be held in Triangle Park, the festival has become a community favorite and showcases paintings, photographs, sculptures, jewelry and various art created by Central Kentucky children. The artwork is available for purchase. The event also includes dance and musical performances, as well as art demonstrations. Registration and booth space fee is $15. Info: www.explorium.com.

Lil' Lambs Closet is hosting its annual con-signment sale Aug. 6, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Aug. 7, noon to 8 p.m., at Centenary United Methodist Church at 2800 Tates Creek Road. The event features children’s clothing, toys, books, strollers, car seats, swings, nursery items, bedding, movies and games. All items are inspected -- no holes, rips or stains. Over the past 17 years, Lil' Lambs Closet has donated more than $915,000 to local and inter-national missions. Info: www.lillambscloset.com.

Families of SMA will hold a 5K run and 1-mile Walk ‘n’ Roll on Saturday, Aug. 14, to raise funds for research of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. SMA affects muscle movement, causing those with it to slowly lose control of muscles used for walking and even breathing. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Keeneland; the walk starts at 9 a.m. Activities, includ-ing music, a raffle and more, will continue until noon. Tickets for runners cost $25, walkers, $15. Children under 12 are free. Info: foley61805@gmail.com.

Musikgarten of Lexington with Jennifer Tutt is offering summer camps beginning Monday, Aug. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to noon on weekdays. For ages 2½ to 6, there’s a “Cartoon Classics” Disney camp. For ages 6-10, there’s “The Wonderful World of Heroes and Villains,” a Disney piano camp. Info: 245-5887.

The Lexington Cemetery is holding a guided tree walk on its grounds on Saturday, Aug. 21, at 9 a.m. The cemetery’s horticulturist, Miles Penn, and other local experts will teach visitors about trees native to Kentucky. The walk will begin at the Henry Clay monument. Info: www.lexcem.org.

Philharmonic to Perform Cirque de la Symphonie
Because of preparations for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the annual Picnic with the Pops concert at the Kentucky Horse Park is taking a hiatus this year. In its place, though, will be Cirque de la Symphonie. This outdoor show on Saturday, Aug. 21, at Keeneland’s Keene Barn entertainment center, brings together the Lexington Philharmonic and cirque artists. The show features acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and more.
Gates open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 8:30 p.m. General admission tickets cost $12.50. Info: 233-3535.

The Lexington Children’s Theatre wraps up its production of “Willy Wonka” this month. The beloved tale based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes to life on Sunday, Aug. 1, at 2 p.m. at the Main Stage Theatre on Short Street. Tickets cost $16 for adults and $13 for children. Info: 254-4546, Ext. 247.

The Living Arts & Science Center’s August Discovery Night will introduce youth to the animals of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo. You’ll see an American Alligator and a Burmese Python among others. Plus, you’ll make some cool cold-blooded art to take home.
Discov­ery Night is Thursday, Aug. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. A donation is suggested of $2 for ages 12 and up, and $1 for ages 5 to 11. Info: 252-5222.

The Child Development Centers of the Bluegrass is hosting a fundraiser this month that lets kids, both little and big, have the opportunity to touch, climb and explore vehicles including construction equipment, a fire truck, dump truck, helicopter, motorcycles, military equipment, race cars, an ambulance and more.
The event, “Touch A Truck,” will take place at Keeneland’s Keene Barn on Sunday, Aug. 29, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Info: 278-0549 or hhenry@cdcbg.org.

Family Practice Associates is now accepting appointments for school and sports exams for children. The exams cost $45 for those without insurance, and Family Practice Associates will bill the insurer for those who do hold insurance with an assurance that your cost won’t exceed $45. The price does not include additional services such as lab work or immunizations. Info: 278-5007.