Amy Freedman, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus is rolling into town this week and so are its elephants.

The annual parade of elephants — otherwise known as the DC Pachyderm Parade — will take place Tuesday, March 19.

Elephants, circus clowns and acrobats will walk from Capitol Hill to the Verizon Center. The expected start time is 8 p.m.; it is not expected to interfere with rush hour traffic.

The parade route will begin at Virginia Avenue at New Jersey Avenue SE, continue west to South Capitol Street and then head north to Washington Avenue SW. From Washington Avenue, the route will move west to 3rd Street SW and head north on 3rd Street. The parade will make its final turn onto G Street NW toward the Verizon Center at 601 F St. NW.

While the parade draws children of all ages, it also attracts animal rights activists, the Huffington Post reports. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has protested the parade in the District for the past two years.

The circus’ show, “Dragons,” will be at the Verizon Center March 21-24.

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