The circus is coming to town, courtesy of Eastern Maine AIDS Network. The traditional, three-ring L.E. Barnes Old Fashioned Circus is prepared to delight old and young alike with shows beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, July 6; 2:30 and 6 p.m. Saturday, July 7; and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 8.

The circus will be set up adjacent to Bangor International Airport on the vacant lot bordered by Godfrey Boulevard, Maine Avenue and Griffin Road, next to the Maine Department of Human Services Building.

Denis Cranson, director of EMAN, is pleased be able to bring this particular circus to town.

He said this is not only an inexpensive, wonderful family entertainment event, but that this particular circus operation “is a leader in providing resources to ensure the protection and preservation of endangered species.

“I did a lot of detailed research preparing for this event,” he explained.

The circus features clowns, aerial acts, jugglers, a human cannonball and many unusual surprises.

The featured attraction is Dave Hoover, who has appeared in films and circuses with his lions and tigers.

As a member agency of United Way of Eastern Maine, EMAN has sent mailings to other member agencies that serve children, with offers of free tickets for those who might otherwise be unable to attend, Cranson said.

“We’ve given out about 800 free tickets so far, and we have another 500 or so left.

“So, if any non-United Way agency serving children has not heard about this offer of free tickets, I hope they will call us to get them.

“We want to make sure as many kids as possible, who want to go to the circus, can go.”

Tickets are just $10 for adults and $3 for children, when purchased in advance.

They are available in Bangor at Patrick’s Hallmark in the Broadway Shopping Center, the Grasshopper Shop in West Market Square and Miller Drug on State Street.

Tickets are also available at the EMAN office, 80 Exchange St. in Bangor.

Any adult ticket purchased before Saturday, June 30, at the AIDS Network location, will include a free child’s ticket.

For more information, call EMAN at 990-3626.

For our younger residents and guests, here’s a reminder that Ellsworth Public Library Summer Reading Program kicks off at 10:30 a.m. today.

The library is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through Labor Day.

Regular story times are 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the Riverview Room, and this year’s theme is pirates!

Call 667-6363 for more information, or just show up, “me hearties,” and join the fun!

The newest piece of equipment for student use at United Technologies Center in Bangor is a Dodge Ram 2500 diesel truck, thanks to the generosity of Phil McFarland, owner of Bangor Dodge.

UTC director Greg Miller said the new truck, which was delivered Wednesday, will be a big boost to the program that trains young people to work on vehicles.

“In our automotive program, the students need to be working on some of the latest electronics and control systems that are available in vehicles now-a-days,” Miller said.

“UTC is delighted and thrilled to be working with Bangor Dodge, and we sincerely appreciate their significant contribution to technical education,” Miller added.

The donation is a major one for the program, Miller explained.

“I believe a new truck like that would cost in excess of $30,000,” he said of an expenditure UTC’s current budget could not meet.

Miller extends his sincere thanks to McFarland and Bangor Dodge “for this generous donation in support of our students.

“The students at UTC will be much better prepared for tomorrow’s college and career opportunities because of this community-minded approach to business.”

Nancy LaHaye of Old Town needs to hear from her fellow classmates, soon, to complete plans for the 61st reunion of the Bangor High School Class of 1940.

That event begins at noon Wednesday, July 20, at Pilots Grill on Hammond Street in Bangor.

LaHaye wants to know who plans to attend, and she needs that information by Sunday, July 10.

“I have to let them know, at Pilots, how many will make it,” she wrote.

You can contact LaHaye by writing her at 883 Stillwater Ave., Old Town 04468; or calling her at 827-8972.

Regular requests for items to help supplement the stock of Manna Ministries’ Soup Kitchen at 180 Center St. in Bangor seems to be working well.

For the next two weeks, for example, Manna staff asks that the public bring canned baked beans, all kinds and sizes of canned soups, and canned spaghetti, which means just that: Spaghetti sauce is not needed, just canned spaghetti.

Perishable items, such as hot dogs, would also be appreciated, as would any fresh vegetables you may have.

Manna is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to receive your contributions.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.