It’s official; the circus is coming to town.

The Carson and Barnes Circus, which has been in operation for more than 70 years, will be at the Coles County Agricultural Fairgrounds today.

The fairgrounds are located at 603 W. Madison Ave. in Charleston.

Shows today begin at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The gates open 30 minutes before they begin, and each show lasts for about one hour and 50 minutes.

It’ll be a three-ring circus under a big top the size of a football field, said Doug Munsell, public relations representative for the Oklahoma-based circus. And the tent is the largest big top in the world, he said.

“There is something going on in all three rings all the time, nearly,” Munsell said.

Tickets cost $16 for adults and $8 for children. However, there are coupons available that give a free ticket with the purchase of one ticket.

“People should check some of the stores around Charleston. They may have some coupons before we get there,” Munsell said. “Or they can go online to the Carson and Barnes Web site and they can print themselves off some coupons that will save them some money.”

Charleston Mayor John Inyart said even though he will not have time to go to the circus, he thinks it will be a good activity for families in Charleston.

“It is popular with the kids,” Inyart said. “And the fairgrounds is a nice setup for it because there is a lot of parking. I imagine they will have a good turnout. With the coupons all around town you won’t have to break the bank necessarily to have your family enjoy it.”

The Carson and Barnes Circus features flying trapeze artists, a human high-wire pyramid, live animals such as elephants and camels, the World Hula-Hoop Champions and much more.

“It’s a good old-fashioned circus,” Munsell said. “No one will be embarrassed, and people can take their kids there. Also, if people come out, then Papa the Clown will have a question for them. It is, ‘How do you crack the shell of an M&M and eat the center?’ And if they can answer the question, then Papa the Clown will do a magic trick for them on the Midway.”

People can order tickets by calling 1-888-215-6466, or by going to the circus’ Web site.