There's a unique phenomenon in the sleepy town of Peru, Indiana called Circus City Days.

Being the "circus capitol of the world", Peru really does it up big with a week-long festival each July.

Growing up in Peru, everyone who was anyone was in the circus. (I wasn't.) In fact, most who grew up in Peru actually return each July to enjoy the amateur circus, museum, displays, performances, rides, booths and parade (last saturday in July).

Here, Karly is enjoying her very first elephant ride, while Daddy tags along. Look how high they are... just check out those street lights!

Peru has been known as the Circus City since 1884, when circus performers used to winter in a field outside town. Here's a history/timeline of the Peru Circus. Then check out how Peru came to be known as the Circus Capitol of the World.

For the record, Peru is famous for a whole lot more than just the Circus... Cole Porter was born there too. Check out Peru's rich history.