Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University will celebrate its 90th year with a parade: the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York City.
Circus Director Marcus Alouan said he has never heard of a collegiate circus getting an invitation to the Macy's parade before and he is thrilled.
"We hope it's going to really get the word out and let people know this is something to be celebrated and honored but also that we are here. Very few college students ever get the opportunity to be a part of a collegiate circus," said Alouan.
Alouan said Macy's has told them they will get to stop and perform on the parade route in addition to juggling and tumbling while walking the route.
"We will be the third circus to be able to stop and perform on camera in front of. It has only been Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil that have ever been able to do that before," said Alouan.
Gamma Phi is the nation's oldest collegiate circus and one of only three remaining.
He said about 100 students were involved in Gamma Phi last year. It's not yet clear how many will make the trip to New York.
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