MIPA Presents CIRCUS on April 25th

Founded in 1966, the Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) Circus is one of Mercer Island’s longest-running community traditions and the island's oldest children’s festival. Now reaching its 60th year, the MIPA Circus remains a uniquely homegrown tradition—built by volunteers, centered on children, and sustained by decades of shared memories, laughter, and community pride.

The Circus began as a small preschool fundraiser inspired by Dr. Seuss’s Circus McGurkus, created to celebrate childhood imagination and bring families together. The original Circus raised $200 and was started by Ann Ekbald, Mari Nelson, Jackie Davison, and Rochelle Casserd. Mari Nelson wrote to Dr. Seuss, asked for permission to use the theme, and he wrote back, giving them his blessing. They did this every year, and until he passed away in 1991, he wrote back every year.

Organized entirely by parent volunteers, the early event featured simple games and performances designed especially for young children. Its popularity quickly grew, and within a few years, it became an annual springtime tradition eagerly anticipated by families across Mercer Island.

Over the decades, the Circus expanded into a full-scale, family-friendly festival, offering dozens of hands-on activities, live entertainment, inflatables, animals, food, and performances tailored for children ages 0–11. It’s not a sit-down and watch event, rather kids play games hosted by all the preschools on the island, interact with animals in the petting zoo, and enjoy face painting, bouncing, and more. While attractions have evolved with the times, the event has remained intentionally interactive, reflecting MIPA’s commitment to early childhood joy.

A defining feature of the Circus is its deep volunteer roots. Each year, MIPA parents, alumni families, students, and community members volunteer, making it a multi-generational effort across the island. Each year, one of the MIHS sports teams helps load and unload the circus supplies and helps the little kids enjoy the inflatable bouncy houses. The National Charity League is decorating and bringing back the Cake Walk. Students from Mercer Island Martial Arts, Creation Dance, and MIHS Cheer & Sparkle Cheer will be performing. The Mercer Island Women’s League, many of whom have deep ties to the Circus, helps with setup. Our city and school district support the Circus by bringing Touch-A-Truck, a fire truck, and a school bus for kids to explore. There are a couple of professional circus acts each year, such as Reptile Man and a Magician. Many adults who attended the Circus as children later return with their own families—or help run the event themselves.

Chances are, you know islanders who’ve enjoyed Bat-a-Box as a kid, baked a cake for Cake Walk, or came home with a live goldfish. In the early years, each game was named after a Dr. Seuss character or theme: McElligot's Pool, Hop on Pop, Truffala’s Trash Toss, and Horton’s Hatchery were fondly remembered by Terry Moreman, Marcia Zervis Judy Ginn, and Miriam Beck as they recalled their years organizing Circus.

Join the fun at the 60th MIPA Circus on April 25, 2026 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Islander Middle School. Learn more at MIPACircus.com.