SCOTT CITY -- The Carson & Barnes Circus will come to Scott City Oct. 23, bringing with it the largest traveling big top in the nation.

In business for 57 years, the circus will perform two shows in Scott City and is sponsored by the Scott City Kiwanis Club.

Noel Neuroth, a press agent with the circus, said the company revamps its show every three years, and is making its first stop in Scott City.

"We get a whole new generation of kids each time we come back to a place," Neuroth said.

"We have the biggest top in the world. It comes from Italy. And we are the only traveling five-ring circus in the world. Our show includes 250 people from 17 nations."

The two-hour performances begin at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. The circus will be set up at the Interstate 55-Cape Municipal Airport exit.

Neuroth said the public is welcome to watch the circus workers set up the tent on the morning of the shows. Setting up the tent takes 60 workers and four elephants, she said. In all, 20 elephants are included in the show.

There will also be a mini-zoo set up outside the tent with some of the exotic circus animals on display.

"The zoo is free and is open during the morning of the show, right up until an hour before the show will start," she said.

The zoo is also open after the performance.

Half of the circus profits will benefit the Kiwanis Club, which sponsors community projects year long, such as scholarships, Boy and Girl Scout assistance, sponsorship of Boys and Girls State, community swim team, and funds improvements in the Scott City Park.

The theme of this year's circus it "Aztec Amazement."

"This year we have something new to us, the Wheels of Destiny," Neuroth said. "It's a type of trapeze where they walk the wheels across the entire length of the tent. They walk on the outside and inside of the wheels."

The big top can seat up to 3,500 per show.

Tickets to the circus are on sale in advance at JC Penney, all Rhodes 101 stores, Schnucks, Wal-Mart, Baker's Bestway, Heisserer's Express Mart, Kelso Supply, Sanders True Value and Sportsman One Shops.

Tickets are $4 for children and $7 for adults. Tickets at the door will be $5 for children and $8 for adults.