A host of zany characters will be coming to town Saturday as Walker International Events brings the circus to the Camellia City.

Organizers of the circus, which will be held at the Butler County Fairgrounds, say the show is 90 minutes of “thrills, chills, laughter and animals.”

The circus is sponsored by the Greenville Lions Club, and funds raised from ticket sales will benefit club projects as well as Butler County’s HIPPY program.

HIPPY, which stands for Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, is a free program that allows instructors to make home visits and provide parents with the tools they need to help jump start their child’s education.

“The folks from HIPPY contacted us about six weeks ago, and asked if we’d partner with them on hosting the circus as a way to help raise money for the program as well as some of the projects we take on as a club,” said Tommy Ryan, Lions Club president. “We feel like HIPPY is an important program here in the county, and we certainly wanted to take the opportunity to encourage them and support them. We’re happy to do it.”

Performers will stage four shows under the big top.

The first two will be held at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday’s shows will be held at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Adult tickets are $15.

Children’s tickets are available for free from Lion’s Club members.

To purchase a ticket in advance or pick up children’s tickets call (334) 382-8571.