Famed as America's “Biggest Big Top Circus,” Carson & Barnes is bringing more than 100 performers and animals to the community for a fundraiser hosted by Tyburn Academy to support its local projects.

When the circus rolls into town, it will travel with 20 species of exotic and domestic animals, which are part of the traveling zoo; a 300-foot big top tent, which is lifted into the air by trained elephants (set up is free to watch, as they set up after dawn); and performing artists from around the world. The circus travels to about 200 different towns and cities performing two shows a day.

Carson & Barnes, which emphasizes its dedication to top quality family entertainment, say this year's performance will be especially family-focused, as many children of performing families featured in the show will also perform feats such as the flying trapeze, acrobatics, horseback trick riding and championship hula hoops.

Each year, Carson & Barnes leaves a portion of the income in the community for local uses. In 2007, it raised almost $1 million toward its community efforts.

The four-generation, family-owned circus is also a founder in the Endangered Ark Foundation, which provides for endangered species and operates a breeding program for endangered Asian elephants.

If you go

What: 72nd edition of Carson & Barnes Circus, hosted by Tyburn Academy

When: 4:30 and 7:30 tonight

Where: Emerson Park, Owasco

Cost: Free for children 2 and younger, $7 for ages 3 to 11, $16 for adults; reserve seat upgrade $4; boxed seat upgrade $5

Info: Visit www.carsonbarnes-circus.com