‘Impractical Jokers’ star Sal Vulcano headlines busy Springfield weekend: 5 things to do

Those seeking high-flying, locomotive, or comedic opportunities in Springfield have met their match and then some this weekend.

Here’s what to put on your radar.

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Ansar Shrine Circus

The description of the aerial act was as much a spectacle as the act itself. “These aerial lovelies are one of the two mass extravaganzas of the Ansar Shrine Polack Brothers circus in the state armory. Following a spectacular entrance in high plumed headdresses and beplumed trains, they shed their finery and take to the high trapeze in spangled bras and tights.” Many of the acts in the performance, booked for five days at the Illinois State Armory in November 1955, should have been familiar to the crowds; they were regulars on network television shows. Harold Barnes, the tight wire dancing specialist, and Rolando, the Swedish balancing star, had made appearances with Kate Smith on the Ed Sullivan Show. Barnes reportedly had been on Sullivan’s “Toast of the Town” segment three times that year. Sullivan was also credited with discovering the Fedi-Fedi dancing puppets in Paris and bringing them to the United States. Other featured performers included Rudy Docky, clown; Cilly Feindt, equestrian performer, and the Besalow baby elephants. The Dagenham Girl Pipers from England appeared on the Sullivan, Garry Moore, Jackie Gleason and Frankie Lane television programs. A family act, the Cycling Chaludis were veterans of the Colgate Variety Hour.

The Ansar Shriners will host the first of several circus performances Friday held at the Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza. Showtimes are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets for the Ansar Shrine Circus can be purchased online at $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 2-12.

Craft bazaar

The Little Flower Catholic School is hosting its 42nd Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar this weekend from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday.

Those attending the bazaar held at the school, 900 Stevenson Drive, can bring a canned good for donation in lieu of an entry fee.

Train show

All-aboard! The Great Train Show arrives in Springfield this weekend.

The national tour displays hundreds of model trains and railways, many of which will be for sale. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A riding train for kids will also be available.

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Held at the Orr building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, tickets can be purchased online and in person. Tickets purchased Saturday are good for both days and kids age 11 and younger get in for free.

Pasfield Holiday Showcase

The Historic Pasfield House is hosting its first pop-up shop on Saturday, inviting the public to shop among a selection of jewelry, catering, accessories, and more.

The free showcase is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 525 S. Pasfield St. Hot chocolate, s’mores kits, and a silent auction will accompany the more than 15 vendors selling items.

For more information, call (217) 670-2449.

Sal Vulcano

“Impractical Jokers” star Sal Vulcano will take to the stage Sunday, performing at the University of Illinois-Springfield Performing Arts Center.

The performance, intended for those 16 and older, starts at 5 p.m. Tickets starting at less than $40 can be purchased at the door.

For more information, call (217) 206-6150.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549-9340, [email protected], twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.

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