The Zoppé Italian Family Circus is set to return to Redwood City next month, but with a new location and with a drive-in format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At its meeting Monday, the City Council of Redwood City is set to approve a live performance agreement with the circus that has traveled to the city to perform annually since 2008. Last year, over 12,250 tickets were sold through 36 shows held at Red Morton Park over four weeks, the city said.
Due to COVID-19, the city determined a drive-in option is the only viable way to proceed with shows in 2020. The Port of Redwood City has agreed to use their main parking lot as a drive-in venue, the city said. Shows are set to run from Oct. 1 to Oct. 25.
The circus recently completed a drive-in style performance in Ventura. Redwood City staff visited the performance to get an understanding of the requirements in place to hold safe shows, such as processes for attendee arrival, contactless ticket check, the addition of a jumbotron to aid viewing of closer-up functions, audio broadcasting and safety messaging to people in cars.
“Staff have coordinated the required services to complete the production requirements,” city staff said.
