The Bridge comes to Cathlamet

This Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m., Flynn Creek Circus presents "The Bridge," a three-day stint at River Mile 38 Brewing Co. (515 2nd Street) in Cathlamet. Described as "an original acrobatic fairytale under the big top," this performance of "The Bridge" is "inspired by a wolf, Nordic legend, and the architecture of connection" and is also described as "a freshly conjured visual feast sprinkled with cloaked commentary and gorgeous imagery."

"We've been working on this now for two years, trying to make this event happen," said River Mile 38 owner Javier Sanchez. "Logistically, it just had to make sense on timing. That's why we chose September. We also wanted to do September because that's when we start to see a little decrease in foot traffic. The weather is changing, kids are back in school. We see a change in the consumer during this time of year going forward into the winter. What we were looking at was what types of events we can host indoors, where it's unpredictable what the weather will be. This event was fully enclosed, so if it does rain, it doesn't force us to rethink the entire event."

Being an "all-human" circus, "The Bridge" will have multiple performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. With Friday's 7 p.m. performance being the only one of the day, Saturday will follow with performances at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and a special, 21 and over "adults-only" show at 8 p.m. The festivities will conclude Sunday, Sept 28 with performances at 1 and 4 p.m.

"The event is meant to have different audiences," said Sanchez. "You have the gymnastics or the circus acrobats do a class for children where they can come in and participate, do flips, use some of the equipment that the circus gymnasts use. It's like a class for little kids, and it's earlier. Then we have the family event where the parents and kids come in and observe the show. Then we have a 21 and over, which is a different storyline. It's a little bit more geared for the adults in the family. It's kind of meant to encompass the full family in different aspects at different times during the three-day visit."

In addition to this weekend's Flynn Creek Circus, River Mile 38 plans to host more events geared toward "bringing the community out." Still, Sanchez admits "The Bridge" is "a new one" for them. "The community aspect we always focus on is 'is it going to fit in the community,'" he said. "What would be great for the entire family? We thought a circus would be great. We don't have a full tent circus that comes out to Cathlamet. Hopefully, this turns into a great event. What we're looking to do is hopefully expand it to having a full carnival circus event where we bring in rides. This event could not be possible without our sponsors: Debi Trull with Realty West, The Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce, Wahkiakum Port District No. 1, Sunrise Excavation, Circus Mentors Inc, Salt and Tomato, and River Mile 38 Brewery."

For tickets, visit flynncreekcircus.com.