WEAVERVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Venardos Circus came to Weaverville this weekend with a high-flying, high-octane, high-note sustaining good time, and 2000 free tickets to see it.

Venardos Circus has been visiting Asheville since 2018 and credits the city as one of three to four locations that helped put their troupe on the map.

“This is the 10 year anniversary tour, and we’ve been coming to Asheville ever since we started touring,” said Kevin Venardos, the titular circus founder. “We’ve grown in that time, and absolutely directly a result of the support of the community in Asheville to begin with.”

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Venardos was unsure if his circus would still be coming to town. When Helene hit, Venardos was only two and a half weeks away from their tour date.

“We thought at one point that this was probably not gonna happen only because we were not gonna be permitted to go and/or that it was not gonna be appropriate,” Venardos said.

However, Venardos said, members of the community reached out repeatedly asking when they would be coming to Asheville.

“Asheville’s so unique. They love the arts. They have so many wonderful cultural experiences here. They appreciate great food,” Venardos said. “The decision to come was ultimately lead by Ashevillians.”

While Venardos usually sets up the big top at Tanger Outlets in South Asheville, that was not possible due to conditions after Helene. Fortunately, the Mayor’s Office of Weaverville reached out. The circus would go on at Reems Creek Rd.

Not only did the circus perform, but many people saw Venardos entirely for free.

“We distributed 2,000 tickets to displaced and in-need people. They’re gonna see the circus, and they’re gonna be able to drift away for a couple of hours from whatever’s been ailing them,” Venardos said. “I hope also that they will be reminded of the powerful, amazing community of people that’s all around them.”

The crowds at Venardos certainly seemed transported, both together as an audience and each in awe of the death-defying stunts of the Venardos entertainers.

View the gallery of photos from Venardos Circus below.

The Venardos performers closed the show with a disco ball song and dance number.
Patrons line up early outside Venardos Circus to get the best seats.
One of the several traveling tour trucks the Venardos Circus employs.
One side of the big top tent had a fully functioning concessions stand.
The Venardos performance stage was simple, with an entrance, two beams and a trapeze ring in the middle.
Venardos Circus performer Lady Beast balances on top of tiny bottles as part of her act.
On the other side of the big top tent, photos, games and toys could be had.
One group of Venardos Circus’ incredible performers flung through the air with the help of a trampoline and trapeze.
Another Venardos truck was an iconic pink vehicle transporting Venardos Candy.
Two performers wrapped around each other and a ring as they flung through the air.
The opening Venardos Circus act was also musical, with the performers rallying around the ringmaster before the show.