Canines with class, the incredible Virginia and sensational skymasters are just a few of the acts audiences will get to see at the Moila Shrine Circus this weekend at Civic Arena. This will be the 56th anniversary for the circus, says Rex Strayer, who is with the Moila Shrine Temple in St. Joseph. And just like every year, there should be something for everybody.

"When you talk about good family entertainment, you can't beat the circus," Stayer says. "That's what it's all about. It's good fun for everybody."

The majority of the show is new this year, says Kay Parker, circus manager. Expect to see bareback riders, high-wire acts, mid-air motorcycle riders and quick-change artists. Also new this year will be David Zoppe's Rehesus monkeys, the only act of its type in the world and a great comedy act, she says. Elephants are always a big favorite, she says, and they will do a show called Ponderous Pachyderms. But this year, baby elephants will star in their own show: Eleph-tastic Kindergarten, starring 2-year-old Belle and her brother, Obert, age 4.

"They do a great act for little elephants," Parker says. "The people love them."

Of course, you can't have a circus without cotton candy and snow cones, and there will be plenty of that, Stayer says, plus inexpensive souvenirs for the kids.

"We keep them at a low price so everyone will be able to take something home with them," he says. "Our highest price item is six bucks."

In addition, six lucky children will get to take home a bicycle, donated by K-Mart. The Shriners will be giving away one bike at each performance.

There will be shows at 7 p.m. today; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children. They may be purchased at the door or at Country Mart in Savannah, Mo., Kovac's, Hy-Vee and the Moila Shrine Temple.