Circus Fantasies Come to Life at 'Circo Diablo' the 8th Annual FloraDora Fundraiser for CIRUCUS FLORA

"Circo Diablo" heats up this year's Spanish-infused FloraDora gala, which kicks off the 24th season of Circus Flora at 7 p.m. Friday, May 28 under the big top tent in Grand Center (on Samuel Shepard Drive, adjacent to Powell Hall).

FloraDora, Cirus Flora's largest and most elaborate annual gala event, includes a delectable assortment of Spanish fare and signature drinks from St. Louis' finest restaurants, a circus fantasy live auction, a "Circo Diablo" performance and the rare opportunity to rub elbows with a mix of local celebrities, community leaders and circus performers alike. Proceeds benefit Circus Flora's educational outreach programs and the 2010 production, Ingenioso.

"Circo Diablo" is a perfect theme for this year's fantasy fundraiser, as it sets a sizzling tone for the Don Quixote-inspired Ingenioso, Circus Flora's 24th season production, which runs June 3 through 27.

"The FloraDora Fundraiser really ignites the spirit of the season," said Ivor David Balding , artistic director, Circus Flora. "People look forward to this magical evening every year; it's truly a signature fundraising event in St. Louis. Most importantly, FloraDora helps raise funds for our outreach programs, which are devoted to helping underserved youth in our community."

In a departure from the past few years, where the party started at the Centene Center for the Arts and Education and moved to the big top midway through the evening, all portions of this year's event will take place under one red-and-white "roof," Circus Flora's air-conditioned big top tent.

The opening cocktail reception features food and drinks from a variety of the city's finest restaurants, including Onesto, Modesto , Vito's and more to be announced. The evening continues to heat up with the FloraDora Fantasy Auction, which is famous for making travel, leisure, extravagance, even run-away-with-the-circus dreams come true. Among popular items like a lesson on the flying trapeze, the fantasy auction will include an original piece of artwork created onsite during the cocktail reception by St. Louis-based artist Peat Wollaeger. Then guests will settle in for a special "Circo Diablo" performance by world-renowned circus stars, a trademark feature of FloraDora.

After the performance, the circus ring turns into a dance floor, where guests get a taste of life in the ring. Cesar Cardona, owner of Club Viva in the Central West End , will hold the honor of DJ for the dance portion on the evening. Salsa dancers from his popular nightclub will be on hand to heat up the dance floor. Toward the end of the evening, revelers can make their way to Club Viva, 408 N. Euclid Ave. where the party continues late into the night.

Co-chairs of this year's event are Scott Emanuel and Ed Reggi, and Sarah Kramer and Jassen Johnson. "FloraDora has been my favorite event as a truly different way to spend an evening," said co-chair Ed Reggi. "It's never stuffy and sparkles with the fun of circus. Where else can you and your friends mingle with circus stars and local celebrities? Guests are usually dressed in stylish summer cocktail attire or along the lines of the theme. It's so special, I feel like a celebrity myself!"

Tickets to this sizzling soiree are open to the public and cost $100 for regular entry or $150 for Patrons. Call 314-289-4043 for more information.

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