Pre-circus events include Thursday parade

The circus is coming to Salt Lake City.

Sometime during the night on Wednesday, Sept. 23, a mile-long, 59-car train will arrive in Utah. The train will carry the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, now in its 139th year.

Events before the circus begins will include a Circus Elephant Walk & Circus Parade at noon Thursday, Sept. 24, starting at 200 South and heading north up Rio Grande Street to the center of The Gateway Mall, ending at 50 N. Rio Grande St.

Besides the elephants and performers, this year's walk will include Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, Levitytia.

The public is invited to enjoy the free "Zing Zang Zoom Extravaganza" at the "grand parade" of "The Greatest Show on Earth," circus officials said. Best viewing will be from the either side of Rio Grande Street up through The Gateway.

For more information, go to www.ringling.com.