Circus Vargas is a family affair. Multiple generations of tumblers, acrobats, high-wire performers, trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, and daredevils explode into the ring six days a week (Tuesdays are dark). I was struck by how everyone seemed to feel it was a personal responsibility to welcome us to the circus, from the ring master on down to the security guards and stage crew - even the guys selling popcorn.

We caught up with Circus Vargas during its run at Westfield Culver City. Wherever you see the show, it is important to arrive at least half an hour early - that is, if you want your kid to realize those circus star dreams. Because roughly 20 minutes before show time, children are ushered into the center ring to learn rudimentary circus skills. Your heart will swell with pride as you watch your child (attempt to) hula hoop, (attempt to) balance things, and (probably accomplish) juggling colorful scarves.

The scope and thrill-level of Circus Vargas are well suited to young audiences. All the action takes place in a single ring, and while there is plenty of excitement, at no point is there any sense of genuine peril. At times the lights are brought down to pretty much zero, and the music can get fairly loud. Both kids in our party had their hands over their ears for the first five minutes in our seats. (Once they adapted to the noise levels they were fine.)

The ringmaster reminded us that in the ring, the performers are bound not by gravity but only the limits of our imaginations. The troupe's most compelling acts see performers seem to take flight, spinning on ropes, soaring on the trapeze. These are the acts that exemplify the circus.

The motorcycle cage act features the circus's youngest performer (a ten year old who performs the same daredevil skill as his parents) and is also your cue that the 15-minute intermission is coming.

A single clown performs skits between acts. I had thought his busboy routine was lost on our kids, but my daughter later reported that her favorite part of the circus was "when they spit on each other." (High class kid I got!) The old-time movie skit went over like gangbusters (for the record, it featured audience members "shooting" each other with mimed guns).

For a grand finale, Circus Vargas has added a new act this year: the Human Target. To wrap up each show, daredevil Leo Garcia is fired from a human rocket launcher, navigating through a maze of lighting equipment and rigging to a safe landing.

A word of caution - you will be presented with numerous opportunities to spend your money: cotton candy, light-up slushies, glowing light sabers, and more. Be strong. Remember who's boss. Bring baby wipes for the cotton candy. (If you're looking for a bargain souvenir, there are clown noses for a buck as you're leaving).

When I mentioned our trip to the circus to some friends, I was met with wrinkled noses. It took a moment to decipher that their anti Big Top sentiment was over animal rights concerns. So let me clarify: Circus Vargas is an animal-free circus (barring any toddlers you might bring with you). No animals are hurt, maimed, humiliated or made to dress up in silly costumes. All feats of wonder are 100% human-powered.

Now let's send one lucky family to the Circus! If you're don't already subscribe to our weekend events newsletter, be sure to sign up by midnight Wednesday night (Nov. 14). This give-away is only for subscribers, so entry details will be in our Thursday morning newsletter. The winner will receive a family 4-pack of tickets to any available Southern California show (Torrance, Arcadia or San Pedro).