The old Winnipeg arena on Maroons Road was completed in 1955, with a seating capacity of 9500. It replaced the old Shea’s Amphitheatre on Osborne Street. The arena was an instant success for all types of events. They ranged from hockey games and other sporting events, car shows, Ice Capades, trade-shows, the Red River Ex, and the Shrine Circus. Around the first of May, for one full week, the circus was in town. Circus Management was a well-oiled machine that presented 12 performances, beginning with Safeway Night on the Monday. The endurance test was the Saturday with three performances and ending with two on the Sunday.

The enthusiasm of the 1000 plus Shriners was infectious. There was much competition to see and be seen. The marching units were the Pipe Band, the Drum Corp, Oriental Band and the Fife and Drum Band. They competed against each other in a friendly fashion. The Komedians were dressed early to sign autographs, as were the Kops, Magicians and Flag Patrol. The Vintage Car, Cycle Escort, Motor Patrol members and other motorized units were on hand to handle the wheelchair patients and other disabled guests. A great service to those less fortunate than other members of society. The Chanters and Orchestra would always open with the singing of O Canada. The Ritualistic Unit sold programs. The 101 members sold balloons. The Director’s Staff would have fully manned tables loaded with monkeys on sticks and other novelties. The Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Jobies, Legion and fellow Masons acted as Ushers.

The opening was always spectacular and lasted for 30 minutes. The Shrine units, in all their finery, presented themselves under the direction of the Chief of Staff and the Provost Corps, Motorcycles, Scooters, Vintage Cars, Horse Guard and even the Portage Little Cars were present. The final person to enter was the Illustrious Potentate, usually in a Cadillac convertible. He would then be joined at the podium by an honorary Ring Master. This was usually a print, radio or TV media person. With the blowing of the whistle the circus would open. At some point, the ever popular Komedians would drive in their little Volkswagen car and disgorge 18 members to the delight of the crowd. The circus lasted 2 1/2 hours. After the spec, the Shriners would enjoy a meal in their own areas. There was much visitation, lifetime friendships were formed and frivolity filled the evenings.

All for a great cause. Those less fortunate than most of us. The crippled and burned child.

​

Ken Kristjanson PP