The Melha Shriners: They Clown Around for a Reason!

The Melha Shriners are a group of men who gather together on a volunteer basis to achieve one goal. The goal of the men who sport maroon felt hats is to better the lives of children who have orthopaedic, spinal cord, or burn injuries. The money that they earn from their annual circus events, parades, fundraising raffles, etc. goes directly to Shriners Hospitals for Children all over North America that provide services to families free of charge. Although these men love to clown around, they work diligently to enable children with orthopaedic, spinal cord, or burn injuries to live life to their fullest potential.

After attending the Melha Shriners Circus today with my children, I saw the joy that these men bring to children's faces. I cannot even imagine the delight in the faces of children with the spinal, burn, or orthopedic injuries when they are delivered free services to better their lives. While entering the gates of the circus, guests were welcomed by the ever so popular Melha clowns with names such as Poppie, Jinx, and Beeper. They offered high fives, rings, and autographs to all of the children. Even the children, who are generally fearful of the masked faces, seemed to be uplifted by these clowns with rainbow kissed hair. As people of all ages entered the gates, they were awaited with the opportunity to ride on ponies, elephants, or get their face decorated with glistening sparkles. The 53rd annual Melha Shriners Circus event proved successful once again.

The Melha Shriners Circus began and was very entertaining. All guests were promised a morning of fun while capturing glimpses of a little circus girl named Mercedes and her pony, dogs riding in trains, and innovative trapeze artists flying through the air like eagles strong and proud. The innocence that all of the children felt at the circus is a reflection of the innocence that the Melha Shriners want all children to feel, including children burdened with orthopaedic, spinal cord, or burn injuries.