Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News HEARNE — Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will bring its big top to Hearne for two shows Wednesday, Oct. 21. Performances are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. behind Hearne Elementary School and Hearne High School. The traveling circus will be in Hearne for one day only. This year’s show includes juggling, trapeze performances, tightrope acts, performing dogs, big cats, clown acts, fire eating and the Wheel of Destiny. Each performance lasts about 90 minutes. The day will begin before showtime with a free public tent-raising and circus grounds tour at 9:30 a.m. Visitors can watch crews put up the big top and learn how the circus operates as it moves from community to community. The midway opens before each performance with concessions and other attractions, including pony rides, face painting, bounce houses and a large slide. Those activities may require separate payment. The tent opens about 20 minutes before each performance and seating is general admission. Advance tickets are generally $14 for adults and $8 for children ages 2-12 and seniors 65 and older. Prices increase on circus day, while children younger than 2 are admitted free. Culpepper & Merriweather began in 1985 and is based in Hugo, Oklahoma, a community with a long history connected to traveling circuses. The company spends much of the year on the road and performs in more than 200 communities. Hearne residents can see the circus at 5 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, with the free morning tent-raising tour beginning at 9:30 a.m.