A brand new outdoor event concept will debut on Saturday, August 19 at Chantilly Farm in Floyd.
Organizers said the event, held from 4 to 10 p.m., will appeal to both the young and young-at-heart, and feature a variety of unique performance arts along with other exciting program elements.
Audiences will be treated to an experience that is largely based on the vintage sideshow circus concepts of long ago.
A major highlight will be an hour-long performance from Imaginaerial, an internationally acclaimed acrobatic cirque troop based in New York City.
Performing to international acclaim and sold out audiences around the globe, the group’s dynamic style of storytelling and distinctive acrobatics in the air and on the ground have made it one of the most sought after performance companies of its kind.
“We’re really looking forward to being able to bring national-level talent like Imaginaerial to Floyd, while giving some of the more unique performance artists in our region the opportunity to showcase their talents locally,” said Ashley Morales, event organizer.
StoryUp, an aerial storytelling troop based in North Carolina, will present awe-inspiring tales of Aesop’s Fables with a unique twist that will capture the imagination of adults and children alike.
Leading up to the evening’s spectacular aerial cirque performances, attendees may enjoy captivating performances from Dance Afire Productions, children’s fairy-tale improv from Colourbox Theater Project, juggler Erin Riley, magic from Nelson Oliver, stilt-walking from Miss Kitty’s Society of Wayward Cosmonauts, free acro-yoga and family acrobatic workshops from Circus Arts Roanoke and an active ninja booth from Virginia Techniques.
Roaming performers, also known as ‘buskers’, will perform throughout the event interacting with cirque-goers. A selection of local musicians will also be featured in various ways at the event, including local favorites The Wildmans and Neal Wyms.
“Over the years, we’ve received so much input from those who feel that our area could use more events for children and families that are affordable, engaging and enriching, so that’s our goal with Cirque du Floyd,” Morales said.
Local food vendors will be available along with a beer and wine garden.
Tent camping is offered free overnight Saturday with the purchase of an advance ticket. RV and additional nights of tent camping will also be available at regular campground rates.
Tickets are on sale online at www.chantillyfarm.com, and at the gate. Advance ticket prices are $15 for ages 4-12 and $25 for ages 13 and up. Kids under the age of 3 are admitted free. Day of show tickets cost $18 to $35.
