The world famous Zoppe Family Circus is returning to the Valley on Friday at Bell Bank Park to honor an old-world Italian circus tradition in Mesa, AZ. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and continues through the holiday season until Jan. 1.

Liberta Zoppe will put guests into a 500-seat tent for a show that will star Nino the Clown and a circus with a central story that will feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation, according to a press release. The show is different from circuses that feature individual acts. Those who attend the circus will be treated with Italian hospitality that makes people feel like they are part of the family.