Shrine Circus, Environmental Events Top Reasons to Get Out

Essential Marietta happenings for the weekend:

1. The world's largest shrine circus returns to Cobb County when the 69th annual Yaarab Shrine Circus and Carnival takes over the fairgrounds at this weekend through May 1.

 Performers include Tarzan Zerbini Circus, Lion Dance, Magnificent Morris Elephants, high-wire acrobatics, the Chinese Aerial Pole, Zerbini Liberty Horses, contortion artists, Rolling Globes, sword dancers, bungee acrobatics and animal performances.

The carnival will open Thursday and charge $10 for unlimited rides that day. Unlimited rides are also available for $20 on April 25 through April 28. Other specials are available on various days.

Circus tickets are available at the gate at $10 per adult and $7 per child. The circus opens at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. For the rest of the stay, gates to the carnival will open at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. The circus will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday; 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

2. The Marietta Tree Keepers will host its Sip n' Stroll beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, starting from 216 Maple Ave. Folks who wish to attend should part in the Parking Lot at Winn Street and Maple Avenue.

For this free BYOB event, certfied arborists and landscape architects will lead a tour through the Marietta neighborhoods and discuss the diversity of trees in the city. These experts will provide practical advice on the proper care of trees, effective arbor planning and related issues.

Visitors may bring their own refreshments or can enjoy water and light snacks provided by Realtor Kirsten Conover of .

For information, call 770-424-4664 or send an email to mariettatreekeepers@comcast.net.

3. For another environmental event consider the "Giving Grill for Keep Cobb Beautiful" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Harry's Farmer's Market, 70 Powers Ferry Road. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, drinks and more are available from 50 cents to $5 with all proceeds going to Keep Cobb Beautiful.

4. The inaugural Saving Generations Community Talent Show will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday in Hudgins Hall of the . Cobb County CUTIES and Men of Grandeur Inc. will serve as hosts.

Saving Generations is a nonprofit mentoring/crisis prevention/crisis intervention  organization for youth from ages 8 to 19. All proceeds will go to the group's efforts to acquire new headquarters.

Admission is $10, but students get in for $8 with proper ID. A dollar discount is available to those who bring a box with toiletries. For information, call 678-785-PATH.

5. The Marietta Kiwanis and Rotary Club of Marietta have joined together again this year to sponsor a sunrise Easter service at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. This free event on the park grounds near the park's visitor center will begin at 7 a.m. Sunday.

Pastor Charles Sineath will lead the 3o- to 40-minute non-denominational service.

For information, call Holly Walquist at 770-424-4664.