Sherman school ready to welcome circus
Sherman school ready to welcome circus
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SHERMAN – The circus is coming to Sherman Central School on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Billy Martin’s Cole All-Star Circus will perform in the Sherman Central School gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. The all-new show, Slinko’s Big Birthday Bash, will feature Slinko and special guest stars.
The event is a fundraiser for the class of 2030, who are currently freshmen. Class Advisors JoAnn Liffner and Courtney Taylor knew that the All-Star Circus had served as a fundraiser for SCS classes in the past.
“When we were presented with the opportunity – we took it,” Liffner said. “The freshman class here at Sherman needs to build up funds. So, this seemed like a great way to do just that.”
Billy Martin’s Cole All-Star Circus will put down heavy vinyl protective mats and rubber-tipped equipment to protect the gymnasium floor, Liffner said.
“While they do not feature large, exotic wild animals, their 90-minute shows in the past have had performing trick dogs, along with some impressive human acrobatics,” she said.
The circus company provides insurance for the event, Liffner said. However, the ninth-graders are responsible for selling tickets, promoting the show with posters and announcements, helping to set up and to clean up after the show, she said.
The ninth graders are looking forward to the event as a fun fundraiser, but the enthusiasm has spread throughout the school, Liffner said.
“Younger students in our building are excited because some have never been to a circus and want to know what it’s all about,” she said.
According to their website, the Cole All-Star Circus began in 1938 as a school project, created by James M. Cole in Penn Yan. Cole retired in 1987, after 50 years of touring and chose Billy Martin of Olean to continue the show.
The program features acrobatics, including unicyclists, aerialists, balancers, and trapeze artists. It also includes comedy, juggling, specialty performances and audience participation. The 2026 theme of Slinko’s Big Birthday Bash celebrates 25 years of the beloved Slinko character.
Liffner said that she and Taylor hope the experience of the fundraiser will benefit the students in many ways.
“Our hope is that our ninth-graders will take the lead doing most of the work for this fundraiser,” Liffner said. “If we do have a good turnout, we hope it will foster within them a sense of responsibility, as well as a feeling of pride on a job well done.”
Adult tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased in the school office, or $20 at the door. Children 12 and under are free with an adult.
“We hope to see everyone on Thursday, October 22 at the Sherman Central gym for this wonderful evening of entertainment,” Liffner said.