A Summer Circus Train

Looking for a different, unique way to spend a fun and exciting summer day in the area? Look no further than the Valley Railroad Circus Train and Big Top Show. There is still time to pick up tickets for the whole family to attend this one of a kind entertainment experience.

Complete with clowns, acrobats, juggling, balloon making , a petting zoo, puppet show, midway rides, traditional circus fare and more. This is the first time this special event has come to Essex and today is the last day to come and enjoy what many are calling, “the best family day event around.”

“My whole family had a great time,” exclaimed Dan Dubay, who made his way to the circus celebration from his hometown of Middletown.

“Everyone loves the trains and the circus show was amazing, especially the guy who climbed up on the chairs and then went upside down. It was great and everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

The event, which cost $25 per person (kids 2 and under free) started with a robust welcome from the Ringmaster as passengers boarded the authentic Circus Train ride from the Lee Company parking lot, on Bokum road in Essex to the Essex Steam Train lot. Upon departure from the historic steam train, colorful clowns greeted children and adults with juggling tricks, hula hoops, balloon animals and more. The succulent smells of sugary confections such as cotton candy and fried snickers and Oreos saturated the air down the midway, which included several kiddy rides, a beautifully painted carousel and a very popular, giant giraffe bounce house.

After taking a moment to cuddle the baby goats at the petting zoo and gaze at the eccentric camel, visitors gathered beneath the big top circus tent to be entertained by Bucky the clown and friends, who kept the audience laughing with their playful antics.  Circus goers were also treated to the chance to see the awe inspiring feats of a seasoned acrobat who climbed up a mountain of wobbling chairs to perform outstanding spectacles of balance.

“This was amazing,” said Jennifer O’Connor of Milford, who has visited Essex in the past with her family for the Thomas the Steam Train events. “We all enjoyed ourselves and I think the prices were good, all the rides were included and the kids had a lot of fun. We will definitely be back again next year.”

The first train on Sunday departs at 9:30a.m., the final pulls out of the station at 3p.m. 

This summer not only is the premier of the Circus Train in town but it also marks the 40th anniversary of the Essex Steam Train taking its first ever sightseeing excursion. Over the past four decades it has stayed true to its mission of providing passengers with unique access to the natural beauty and historic sights of the Connecticut River Valley and has developed a full range of family fun events offering something special in each of New England’s four fantastic seasons.

For more information about what is coming up next, visit their website.