BOLIVAR — Billy Martin is back in town, bringing the Cole All-Star Circus to Allegany County tonight for a 6 p.m. show in the Bolivar-Richburg High School gymnasium.

This year’s re-imagined shows feature a combination of six new acts and some all-time favorite attractions with many new performers included in the 90-minute program. In keeping with the “affordable family fun” tradition, Martin said all pricing remains the same as in previous years.

“Especially during these times, I feel as though we are an ‘old friend’ treating families to a night out of entertainment,” he told the Times Herald in the fall. “We haven’t raised our prices in six years!”

Adult tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door). With each paid adult, get a coupon for one free child (12 years or younger). Limit two free children per adult.

This year marks Martin’s 50th year of being associated with the Cole All-Star Circus, following in the footsteps of its founder, James M. Cole.

A Penn Yan native who joined the Walter L. Main Railroad Circus in 1924, Cole founded the All-Star Circus in 1938. Throughout his amazing tenure in show business, Cole managed many major touring circuses, owned and operated his own big top show, toured the nation with his famous performing elephants and became a circus legend.

In 1972, at age 12, Martin met Cole when the indoor circus performed in Hinsdale. His fascination with the circus evolved into a wonderful friendship with Cole, and at 14, Martin began booking many schools for the circus throughout Western New York. After graduating from high school in 1977 as a junior, it was only logical that he joined the Cole Circus. The day after graduation in Bradner Stadium, he was on the road and never looked back.

Quickly approaching his own 50th year with the circus, Martin said he’s honored to continue Cole’s legacy at so many schools across the region.

“I’m looking forward to seeing friends and family in the area and bringing the circus home,” he said. “I’ve got the best job in the show. Not only am I a part of it, but I get to watch it every day.”

The circus will continue to perform in the region at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Portville High School gym, and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 at the Franklinville High School gym. The circus visits 100 schools annually throughout New York State and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.billymartincircus.com.