[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 164 (Thursday, October 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      MIDNIGHT CIRCUS IN THE PARKS

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                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2017

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to an 
initiative launched to raise community funds and to rebuild parks--
Midnight Circus in the Parks.
  The program is presented in part by the Chicago Park District's Night 
Out in the Parks, which brings over 1,000 cultural events to 
neighborhood parks each year. The program is in its 5th year and the 
Night Out in the Parks series has brought more than 1,000 events to 
neighborhood parks throughout the City of Chicago, making community 
parks safe havens and hubs of cultural activity.
  Jeff Jenkins, founder and executive director of Midnight Circus in 
the Parks, envisioned a perfect opportunity to bring his circus to the 
community and raise money for park improvements. Midnight Circus tours 
Chicago parks every year bringing over 15,000 people together in their 
park to celebrate and make a difference. This venture is a true family 
collaboration; Jeffs wife, Julie, is the artistic director; their son, 
Maxwell, is an acrobat and musician in the show, and their daughter, 
Samantha, does the trapeze. Their rescued pit bull also performs. Every 
year, they add new and incredible artists.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Jenkins Family for launching 
Midnight Circus in the Parks, and the Chicago Park District for having 
the vision to bring a circus to the Chicago communities and for all 
their countless hours of volunteer efforts.

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