The Zoppe Italian Family Circus returned to downtown Redwood City this fall, entertaining more than 26,000 people with matinee and evening performances of its La Vita Nova show. Over a period of eight weeks from Oct. 7 through Nov.28, the group set up its one-ring circus tent next to the Main Library, according to the City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCS). This year’s show featured a Russian bar act, sword balancing, trapeze artist, clown antics and more.

The PRCS Department also teamed up with the group to host circus camps for children, which sold out. The circus’ return to downtown Redwood City followed the temporary relocation of the show starting in 2013 to Red Morton Park due to downtown development projects. Spurring the circus’ return to downtown was a coordinated effort among the PRCS Department, Downtown Business Group, Redwood City Improvement Association, Redwood City Library and the Economic Development Division of the City Manager’s Office.