BYE, BYE TO THE BIG TOP: Le Grand Cirque to perform final show in mid-August (PHOTOS)

After hundreds of performances for area residents and visitors since its premier Memorial Day Weekend, Le Grand Cirque is set to fill the big top for its final show August 15.

The show, which has entertained audiences all over the world, offers up a high-flying, fast-paced performance, featuring breathtaking acrobatics, stunts by Chinese strongmen and a performance on the Wheel of Death.

“I know the community really enjoyed the show,” said Angela Triplett, public relations manager for the Howard Group. “Everybody I have spoken to has had a really great time.”

In late March, Le Cirque organizers stated that if the initial performances were successful, they could be extended through Labor Day.

For dozens of photos from a recent performance, click here.

But with the final performance rapidly approaching, Triplett told The Log that both Spirit Productions, who puts on the show, and representatives from Grand Boulevard and the Howard Group will meet to discuss the possibility for Le Grand Cirque returning to the Emerald Coast next season.

Triplett said the London-based company has more than 20 shows in its touring repertoire, and that gives the company the flexibility to make return trips to the same locations, and they can offer “something new” every time.

One possibility that will be discussed is bringing the group back in December to perform its holiday themed “Sprit of Christmas” show. And just like Le Grand Cirque, the rockette-style Christmas show is a family-friendly performance.

Now that summer is coming to an end, and there are only two weeks left to see the show, Triplett is encouraging everyone who hasn’t made it out yet to do so. She said both Silver Sands Outlet Mall and the Hilton Sandestin would be offering discount tickets.

For ticket and show information, visit www.cirquedestin.com, or call the Grand Boulevard visitor services kiosk at 850-654-5929.

“Everyone was amazed that we were able to bring a global phenomenon to our area,” Triplett said. “We are very hopeful that they will come back next year.”