Children and adults young and old can enjoy the magic of the circus Saturday.

Circus Gatti, sponsored by the local Shriner’s Club returns to the Umatilla County Fairgrounds, 515 W. Orchard Ave., for two shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“It’s one of our biggest fundraisers in this area,” said Jim Godier, secretary for the local Shriners’ Club.

Tickets sold at the door are $22 for adults 18 and over; $16 for seniors 60 and older; $16 for juniors ages 13-17, and $10 for children 12 and under.

Some free children’s tickets can be found at local schools or post offices in the area that have been purchased by the Shriners.

“We buy a lot of tickets and a lot are available, so kids are sure to get in,” Godier said.

The Shriners and Circus Gatti have worked together for more than 25 years with this year’s performance happening in the rodeo arena area, weather permitting.

If the weather is bad the circus will put up a tent for their performances.

Either way, Godier said, the event should draw a good crowd.

“When they have a tent, it’s pretty full; outside the stands are usually half full,” he said.

And the crowd, particularly the children, especially enjoy it.

“The kids get a blast out of it, especially the little kids,” Godier said.

Some of the events kids can look forward to see at the circus include elephants, a tiger, acrobats and clowns among many other sights and sounds.

Funds raised go in portions to the Shriners’ Children’s Hospital and Imperial Shrine in Portland, the National Shriners’ fund and the local Shriner’s Club in Hermiston.

On average, it costs $2 million a day to run one of the clubs’ many hospitals nationwide, making fundraisers like Saturday’s circus very important.

“Every dime we raise helps,” said Godier.