The Habibi Shriners of Lake Charles’ “circus with a purpose” returns this weekend at the Burton Complex.

The “Moto Xtreme Circus Reloaded” will replace circus animals — lions, tigers, bears — with high-octane machinery.

Southwest Louisiana will be treated to a performance stacked with adrenaline-spiking motorized acts, said David Hyatt, chief rabban. The shows will feature freestyle motocross, BMX status, the “Globe of Death” — a steel ball that stunt riders drive motorcycles in — and “Rocketman’s daring sky-soar.”

Since 1956, the organization has raised funds for the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Shreveport through the circus.

Habibi Shriners is a Masonic organization with a history spanning over 150 years, dedicated to philanthropy and community service. They are especially known for their support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 hospitals throughout the United States and North America. With more than 200 chapters worldwide, the Shriners boast nearly 200,000 members globally.

The operating expenses of the hospitals are $1 million a day, Hyatt told the American Press last month. Shriners in Lake Charles’s main focus is on the hospital in Shreveport — the first Shriner’s hospital, which was built in 1922. It treats cleft lip, cleft palate and orthopedics. Close to home, the Shriner’s Hospital in Galveston treats burns.

Additionally, Habibi Shriners maintains a local transportation fund.

This is a shift from the traditional annual Habibi Shriners circus. Hyatt told the American Press the switch from an animal circus to a motorbike circus (and change in locations) was serendipitous.

The transition from an animal circus to a motorbike circus was partly driven by pressure from animal rights organizations, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). At the same time, the circus, previously held annually on the first weekend of October at the Lake Charles Event Center, lost its usual date due to a change in management, which had already booked the venue.

“Then we had to call circus providers and see who was available to do a show, and it wound up Moto Extreme had an opening,” he said. “It was kind of a chance thing that we changed our venue and our type of service.”

Days, times, prices

The Moto Extreme Circus Reloaded is Friday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, Nov. 17. The first show is at 10 a.m. on Friday. On Saturday, there is a 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. show. On Sunday, a 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online, or at the box office. If purchased online, tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages five to 12. If bought at the box office, they are $25 for adults and $15 for ages five to 12.

Children four and under always get in free.

VIP tickets are $30 online and $40 at the box office.