Beasts under the big top

“The lovely Dallas” sits atop 5½-ton Viola as it and fellow elephant Kelly kneel to the command of trainer Chip Arthur. The husband-wife team and their two elephants concluded the Willmar Zuhrah Shrine Circus opening performance Friday morning in front of 1,400 area third-graders, plus teachers and chaperons. It’s the 25th anniversary of the Shrine Circus and the 13th year for the James Cristy Cole Circus. The children were provided free tickets by American Legion posts, Eagles Clubs, VFWs and civic groups. Shows today are at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.