The Minot Shrine Club Circus Board has made the decision to cancel the 2021 Northwest Shrine Circus due to the continuing impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had in the region.

The board states its main concern is the health and well being of its community.

“Considering this is a large event spread over several days with a significant number of volunteers, circus staff and guests of all ages, it is pertinent that we follow the guidelines currently in place and suspend our circus activities for the next year. Plans are being made to have the Shrine Circus in the spring of 2022,” the board stated in a release. “We would like to thank all of the local businesses that have supported us in the past. Their sponsorship is tantamount to us being able to not only put on the Northwest Shrine Circus but to also continue our support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the services they are able to provide for children in need.”

The circus has been a regular event in Minot for 66 years. It had to be canceled this past spring.

“Having to break from our tradition of providing family fun for yet another year lays heavy on our hearts and minds in these trying times. We have been in communication with other Shrine chapters in our immediate region. Some of them have made the decision to reschedule their circuses for later in the fall of 2021. Most, however, like us will be canceling our circus for 2021 and will redouble efforts in bringing back the family fun and excitement of the Shrine Circus in 2022. We will wait patiently in hope of seeing everyone’s smiling faces at the 2022 Northwest Shrine Circus. We thank you for your understanding and support in addition to your warm thoughts and fond memories of our circus and the joy it brings to our community,” the board said.