Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages, prepare for a spectacle beyond all imagination - the circus is coming to Celebration OneTwoFive! Announcing “Under the Big Top” - a family celebration with guest ringleaders Kevin and Sheryl Slous, youth and children’s pastors from Mississauga Temple, Ont.

This extravaganza is designed for the whole family, including carnival fun and spectacular pre-show entertainment. Everyone will want to grab their seats in time to witness amazing feats of biblical proportions: The Firewalkers, The World’s Tallest and Shortest Men and The Great Escape Artist. Come and see for yourself our own Salvation Army version of Believe It or Not!

It all begins Saturday June 16, at 9:30 a.m., with pre-show activities at the Daniel MacIntyre Institute in Winnipeg’s downtown core. Face painters, mimes, balloon-sculpting artists, dancers and gymnasts will all be on hand, along with a never-before-seen appearance from the Canadian Staff Band and the magical antics of Floyd the Clown. Kids won’t want to miss the opportunity to get their free portrait taken with local mascots, Cuffs the Police Dog, Buzz and Boomer from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Mick E. Moose of the Winnipeg Moose. The main event starts at 10:30 a.m. Prepare the way, Winnipeg! The circus is coming to town!

Salvationists are asked to pray for this event. As the gospel message is presented in this creative setting, our desire is that children and adults alike will be drawn closer to faith in God. Our goal is to celebrate and strengthen our expression of family in The Salvation Army, with an outreach emphasis toward needy and disadvantaged families in the downtown core (the third poorest electoral district in Canada). God is opening a door for ministry “Under the Big Top.” We pray that his Kingdom would grow through this effort.

- Major Julie Slous, Director of Spiritual Formation, CFOT