At Central Elementary in City Heights families coming to pick up meals were surprised with a free pop-up circus Monday. It wasn't just live music and tricks, performers are spreading an important message.
"We started with the Census 2020 — bringing the community together to do the Census and participate," said Marcela Mercado with Fern Street Circus. "And now we are doing the neighborhood tour and we're encouraging the community to get out and vote!"
The nonprofit Fern Street Circus has been doing pop-up fairs in San Diego parks for years, said founder John Highkin. During the pandemic, the group is going to food distribution sites at San Diego Unified Schools to bring some fun in a socially distanced way.
"Really about community education in part as well as making it a memorable occasion for families," Highkin said.
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The Fern Street Circus includes live music, juggling, clowning, acrobatics and tightwire walking — but performers say it is the smiles from kids that made it all worth it.
"Surprises them, delights them and it kind of perks up the day a little bit," Hightkin said.
The same goes for Mercado, who was delivering messages about social distancing and voting Monday in English and Spanish to parents.
"Bringing a smile to their faces — that’s the biggest pay that we get," she said.
San Diego Unified has around 80 food distribution sites open weekly.
"These meals are available for every student, for every family in San Diego Unified regardless of income," said Cristine Holmer with the district's food and nutrition program.
The next Fern Street Circus event is Tuesday at Knox Middle School. People can walk-up to get meals or have them dropped off in their vehicles.
