BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM — The circus came to town and put on a show at Potsdam High School Friday night.

Returning after four years, Billy Martin’s Cole All Star Circus brought acrobatics, juggling, feats of strength, magic and of course, Franko the Clown.

Hundreds of spectators packed the gymnasium to witness talents ranging from changing of clothes in seconds through magic, to juggling with feet and acrobatics high above the circus ring.

Kids screamed and cheered as Franko the Clown rode in his roaring miniature vehicle, juggled and tricked audience members to the delight of the crowd.

Audience participation was popular as Franko made memories for families with his comedic skills through jump rope, hat tossing and more.

Popcorn, cotton candy, light-up and blow-up toys were everywhere the eye could see; as were smiling and laughing youngsters, many of which were painted in designs by the performers during intermission.

The near two-hour show drew children and their parents out of their seats by the end of the show with a circle around the stage.

The Cole All-Star Circus was founded in 1938 by James M. Cole of Penn Yan. The indoor circus was designed as a fund-raising event for school groups and organizations across New York State.

Upon graduating high school, Cole joined the Walter L. Main Railroad Circus in 1924.  Throughout his amazing tenure in show business, he managed many major touring circuses, owned and operated his own big top show, toured the nation with his famous performing elephants, and became a circus legend.

Upon Mr. Cole's retirement in 1987, the circus has been under the direction of Billy Martin, of Olean.

This year marks the show's 80th year in continuous operation.

The show Friday was a fundraiser for the Potsdam Central Key Club.