Daredevil clown Bello Nock will perform at this year’s Moolah Shrine Circus [Facebook]

There was not a moment’s hesitation when Circus Director Ron Reynolds was asked about the featured performer at this year’s Moolah Shrine event, held March 19-22 at the St. Charles Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway in St. Charles.

“We actually have Bello Nock this year!” Reynolds exclaimed. “He’s the famous clown daredevil with orange hair. He’s a really big name who gets around, and used to be with the Barnum and Bailey Circus.”

Not only does Nock’s orange hair stick straight up to the sky, but his entire being is often seen high up as well. Born just a year before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, Nock has a knack for space – as in high overhead. He’s been known to do a variety of death-defying events far off the ground like atop cruise ships and over the Statue of Liberty.

Back in the summer of 2017, Nock was shot from a cannon over the rotating blades of a helicopter. That impressive performance occurred on an episode of “America’s Got Talent.”

And speaking of talent, Nock is not the only performer at this year’s 78th annual Moolah Shrine Circus with a strong pedigree from the popular television show. Circus patrons will be delighted by and able to pose for photographs with the Olate Dogs, who helped their humans claims the $1 million grand prize in the 2012 season.

Tickets for photo opportunities with the Olate Dogsas well as for elephant, pony and train rides; face painting; a giant slide; and a bounce house can be purchased and enjoyed starting an hour before and immediately after each show.

The authentic three-ring circus also features incredible high-wire trapeze artists, beautiful Arabian stallions, hilarious clowns, and is capped off by an unforgettable FMX motorcycle finale. Tickets for all of the eight shows, ranging in price from $18.50 to $38.50, can be purchased at the Family Arena Box Office [times vary] or online at familyarena.com or moolah.org. The latter site also offers a free child ticket for ages 12 and younger with each paid general admission ticket.

A decent amount of the Circus’ profits go toward helping with the annual budget of the Moolah Shrine Center at the 12545 Fee Fee Road in Creve Coeur. The Shrine has been located in that former Parkway North Junior High building since 1987.

Shriners support what has been called the “World’s Greatest Philanthropy,” Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 pediatric specialty hospitals, operated and maintained by the Shriners.