PORTLAND, MAINE —July 15, 2025 

Roll the dice, whirl the spinner, and join the ultimate circus showdown. The high-energy, action-packed spectacular 2025 Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour: Game On! brings your favorite board games to life with daring circus acts, playful twists, and nonstop fun for all ages. There are four chances to make your circus dreams come true at the Cumberland Fairgrounds August 8 & 9 with performances at 1 PM & 6 PM. 

This summer, two participating troupers come from Scarborough, Maine. Natalie Morgenbesser (16) and Noah Strauss (15), both train and perform locally with The Gym Dandies, an organization dedicated to sharing circus arts with area youth.

 “I have been watching the tour for over 10 years so it’s always been in the back of my mind.” says Strauss. “When I did Smirkus camp last summer I knew that this was something I wanted to do. [In the performance] i’m in the unicycle, the ball juggling, the clubs, ladders, opening, and closing. I like the energy of the crowd and knowing that people would take time out of their day to watch what I do.” 

Every summer freshly auditioned Smirkus Troupers, ages 10 to 18, take to the road in traditional mud show fashion for a two-month performance tour of New England. Backed by professional coaches, cooks, musicians and crew, our Smirkus perform to sell-out crowds in Circus Smirkus’ very own 750-seat European-style one-ring big top tent. There are no animals with Circus Smirkus. The Smirkus midway tent is open before the show featuring Smirkus novelties and food concessions that include popcorn, pretzels, cotton candy, ice cream, Italian ice, bottled water/lemonade/iced tea.

“I absolutely love being in the ring and bringing the same joy to the audience that has been given to me when it was little Natalie in the audience.” says Morganbesser. “I am super excited to return to my hometown and do shows nearby in Kennebunkport and Cumberland. Cannot wait to see all of my friends and family.” 

The historic Cumberland Fairgrounds, originally established in 1874, are host to many local events including the annual Cumberland County Fair. Its large campus of open greenspace and support buildings provide a comfortable home for the Smirkus team and audience members. Enjoy complimentary parking, spacious campus, and a beautiful forest backdrop to the stunning blue and white big top tent.