‘This is completely different’: Paranormal Cirque brings horror acts to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds

(Update: Adding video, comments from host)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- At the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this weekend, don't be fooled by the circus tent. The show inside is more fright than fun, and far from family-friendly. 

Cirque Italia has six traveling shows. Friday through Monday, Paranormal Cirque II is at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmon. 

Forget friendly clowns - these circus characters are meant to scare.  

"We have roller skating vampires," host and comedian Steve Copeland said Friday. "We have zombies that walk on a wire high above your heads. We've got creepy contortionist dolls."

Paranormal Cirque II has been touring since 2021, starting in Florida and now working its way to the High Desert for a first-ever stop in Redmond.

This year, there's a new black and white circus tent, which seats about 1,100. 

"If you've been to a circus before, this is completely different," Copeland said. "It is an R-rated horror circus. It's Vegas-quality. We're bringing it right here to you."

 An hour before the circus, there's a haunted pre-show attraction. You might meet the performers -- when you least expect it. They intend to offer a scary surprise welcome for guests 17 and older. 

"We've got performers from Mexico, from Colombia, from Venezuela, Argentina, New York, Massachusetts," Copeland said. "We've got a very international cast here to blow the socks off of everyone in Redmond and the surrounding area."

Tickets range in price from $20 to $65. Paranormal Cirque II opens Friday night at 7:30 pm and runs through Monday.