Thinking about taking your kids to The Venardos Circus this week during it’s stop at Buck’s Backyard in Buda? Below you’ll find a review from our 11-year-old contributor, River Tompkins, who shares that life lessons in tenacity, persistence and passion can be found under this big top…

In a magical place of wonderment an audience, full of anticipation and curiosity, sat down in a red and white striped circus tent. Everyone gathered to behold a mystical show and learn a very valuable lesson.

The Venardos Circus had one big overarching lesson mixed in with its spectacular show. Ringleader and owner Kevin Venardos painted his story like a picture. He wanted to show people that when you follow your passion and do not take no for an answer you can make your dreams come true.

The Venardos Circus started with just a backdrop. No tent or anything. Just a dream and a will to make it work. In their first year they only played one show. As a Venardos juggler of that time said, “You call it juggling I call it struggling.” Kevin and the Venardos cast overcame and surpassed these struggles, proving that you can follow your passion no matter the amount and height of the hurdles. After those struggles and tough times, they are now on a 40-week tour around all of America, showing us that if there’s a will there’s a way.

This lesson sets the Venardos Circus apart from any other circus, no matter the difference in the budget. It is this aspect that made everyone in that tent not only respect Venardos Circus more but deeply enjoy and appreciate it. That is not to say that the acts were not fantastic, because they were truly marvelous.

Here are my two favorite things from the Venardos Circus:

I loved the Circus Clown; he was so exciting and made everyone laugh. From his silly expressions to his wacky games he would play with audience members it was an absolute joyride.

Another of my favorite acts was the mom and son juggling act. Their bond shone through as they had such great synchronicity and chemistry. This act was a delight to watch as I had forgotten how much I enjoy juggling.

In the end I saw a wonderful show and walked away with a very valuable lesson. #LiveYourCircusDream

The Venardos Circus is in Buda, TX through April 7, with various showtimes. More info and tickets can be found at www.venardoscircus.com.

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About the Contributing Writer:
My name is River Tompkins and I am an 11-year-old author going to school at Acton Academy West. Make sure to check out my book Everything I Know About Football available at BookPeople. Also check out my website and podcast.

All photographs in this article were provided by River’s mom, Tyler Whitman.