The Orak Shrine Circus stands as a treasured annual event in Northwest Indiana, representing a vibrant tradition of family entertainment and a significant fundraising effort for the local Orak Shriners chapter of Shriners International.
The Orak Shrine Center, which hosts the circus, possesses a deep and enduring local history. It was officially established in 1909 in Hammond, Indiana, by a group of Nobles from the Murat Shrine Center of Indianapolis who recognized the potential for a dedicated center in the northwest portion of the state; the Orak Center subsequently received its formal charter in April 1910. Demonstrating an early commitment to community involvement and fundraising, the Orak Shriners ran a special train to the Imperial Council session in New Orleans in 1910 and successfully managed the Gentry Brothers' Circus, clearing over $700—a substantial sum at the time. Today, the Orak Shriners, like all Shrine Centers, are subordinate to Shriners International, with their focus being to provide essential services, supplies, and transportation for Shriners Children's (formerly Shriners Hospitals for Children).
The annual circus is part of the larger, global mission and purpose of Shriners International. This organization is a Masonic fraternity built upon the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, united by a spirit of fun and fellowship. Membership is open to men who are Master Masons. The Orak Shriners' own mission statement affirms this: "ORAK Shriners are Freemasons united as a Masonic fraternity based on Fun, Fellowship, and the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth." Their vision is to attract diverse Freemasons whose ideas and perspectives enrich the Shrine Family, ensuring members support one another, their community, and, critically, their philanthropy, Shriners Children's. The primary focus of this philanthropy is Shriners Children's, a remarkable system of hospitals that offers specialized pediatric care to children completely regardless of the families' ability to pay.
The Shrine Circus is a key tradition for Shriners chapters across North America, dating back to 1906 in Detroit. For the Orak chapter, the circus is one of their major annual fundraisers. While the proceeds directly benefit local Orak Shriners operations, these funds ultimately support their overall mission, including providing direct aid and transportation services for Shriners Children's. Known for being an affordable, traditional family entertainment experience that fosters community spirit, the Orak Shrine Circus typically features a high-energy, three-ring spectacle. This show, historically held at the Hammond Civic Center, showcases a variety of thrilling acts, including acrobats, aerialists, daredevils like those performing in the Motorcycle Globe of Steel, clowns, and a dazzling array of international performers. In essence, the Orak Shrine Circus is far more than entertainment; it represents a century-long tradition where the Orak Shriners host a cherished family event while reinforcing their core values of fun, fellowship, and, most importantly, generating the necessary funds to support their valuable community work and global philanthropy.
