by Neil W. McCabe

Somerville’s summer circus tradition continues for its 19th season will performances Aug. 6-8 in a new home, but with the same spirit grand entertainment.

“For 18 years, the circus home was in a theater built by Be Sargent in a burnt out foundry on Village Street. When Be sold her home last year, many feared the circus would not survive,” said Sarah Shugars, one of the circus organizers.

“Like the phoenix, the circus rose from the ashes, holding classes at Nunziato Field/the Growing Center, Foss Park/Christ Church Episcopal, and the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church,” she said.

“The shows are in a tent at Nunziato Field, at the corner of Summer Street and Vinal Avenue, near Union Square, with seating in chairs and on the grass,” she said.

“A cast of 100, mostly children from Cambridge, Somerville, Malden and surrounding areas, will perform stilting, juggling, clowning, tumbling, and other acts,” she said.

“Circus members recently appeared in the parades at ArtBeat and the Cambridge World Festival,” she said. The circus is supported by the Somerville Arts Council and many community members and volunteers.

With shows Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $2, and space will be limited. Advance tickets may be reserved at classes, by calling 617-947-1191 or writing peter_jehlen@openaircircus.org .