Beginning Friday, North Bay will step back in time and experience the magic of the classic circus as the authentic Zoppé Italian Family Circus comes to town. The big top of the Zoppé Circus is staged just as it was back in the mid-1800s, complete with costumes, music and acts to reflect its history, while adorned with international flags representing all the real-world artists and performers inside.

The blue-and-white striped "Big Top Veneto," which can be seen all over town, is one of the last family-owned, single-ring traveling big-top circuses in the United States. Presented in the 500-seat tent, this one-ring circus celebrates the tradition of old-world Italian circus arts, including acrobatic feats, high wire, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowns and expert jugglers.