In 2007 Midnight Circus, a local Chicago performance company partnered with the Welles Park Advisory Council, Welles Park and the Chicago Park District, and the 47th Ward alderman's office to provide live, open air shows in Welles Park with the purpose of gathering the community together to raise funds for a new play lot. The valuable partnership became evident when this company of acrobats and actors, clowns and contortionists, singers, dancers, musicians and one dog wowed the audiences of all ages in four sold-out shows.
5 years later, the dream of expanding city wide was realized by including parks in all of the regions of the Chicago Park District. The tour became more magical with the addition of a spectacular, one-of-a-kind circus tent.
To date, over $250,000 has been raised to benefit participating parks.