The 40th anniversary edition of Circus Vargas pitches its tents at the Westfield Valencia Town Center from Thursday, May 28 through Sunday, June 7. Billed as "California's Own Circus," the 2009 version unites skilled performers with the silliness of clowns in a blending of tradition and modern innovation.

Act one performances include such acts as Hobo Hi-jinks, a modern acrobatic ensemble, a quick-change routine, an Equestrian Fairy Fantasy and the Angels of the Air aerial display.

After intermission, act two brings the Flying Tabares, a comedic hip-hop sketch, and a horse and pony demonstration. Then things go full throttle with Motorcycle Madness in the Willy Family's "Sphere of Fear."

In the finale the entire cast bids the audience farewell.

Bring the kids early to participate.Reality TV personality Jon Weiss from CBS' "Amazing Race" is front and center, welcoming the audience and inviting children of all ages into the center ring to feel what life is like under the Big Top. Join the fun with Jon as he guides everyone on a crash course in circus skills such as juggling, feather balancing and hula-hooping.

Additional extras include such things as "snake hugging." Ringmaster Ted McRae presents his 14 foot long albino Burmese python so that audience members can see her up close - and some even get to hug her.