I am constantly in awe of Circus Flora. They just get better and better every year: better set and costumes, and more and more talent.

I was never fond of the circus as a kid; I was always too far away to see much, and the clowns scared me a little. Well, Circus Flora is a very different experience.

Under the air-conditioned tent in the Powell Hall parking lot is a one-ring, more European style of show. The clown is Nino, a loveable, silly guy with major talents and not too much scary makeup or big red nose. This year, he demonstrates his amazing acrobatic skills and even shows off a baby Nino ready for the family business.

The animals are truly spectacular, too: dogs, goats, a mini-donkey, and the horses! Great big beasts and little angelic white ponies doing tricks that horses pretty much refuse to do in most circumstances. And you're so close to the action you can see every sinew in their bodies.

Speaking of sinewy bodies, there's also a very talented couple who have more agility, balance, courage and charisma than any two people ought to have. And of course, the fun ends with trapeze artists.

But I have to say my favorite part is always the St. Louis Arches. These young folks are so talented and hard-working and seem to genuinely enjoy sharing their skills with.

This is one of the most fun events I attend all year, and I BEG you to see it!!! Whether you're 5 or 50, I think you'll smile, laugh, and gape as the minutes fly by at Circus Flora's "Ingenioso."