Circus and Two Concerts Slated at Long Beach El Dorado Parks

Long Beach’s East and West El Dorado parks will hold family celebrations this weekend, timed so people can make the two-mile drive west to east at the appropriate time without missing a thing.

Circus in the Park is a two-day event at the Willow Grove picnic area in El Dorado West Park, 2800 Studebaker Road. Acrobats, jugglers and mimes will roam the realm from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Children can have their faces painted and try for prizes at the game booths.

The Pickle Family Circus will perform both days at noon and 3 p.m. This small, old-fashioned circus has a band but no animals--it’s like a carnivalesque vaudeville troupe and is especially suitable for young children.

On Sunday (only) it’s the KLON Children’s Blues Festival, with shows starting at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Everything is free except the food and the Pickle Family Circus, which is $7 for adults, $4 for children. Parking is free.

The fifth annual Great American Picnic is really a concert on the grass at El Dorado East Regional Park, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday and starring Nancy Wilson and the Long Beach Municipal Band. Families are encouraged to come as early as two hours before show time to spread a blanket and enjoy a leisurely picnic dinner. The concert will be at the archery range, site of the 1984 Olympic archery competition. It’s free but there’s a $3 parking fee. Information: (213) 421-9431, Ext. 3150.