The 32nd annual Chemistry Circus will take place Friday at 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Dr. Kim Pamplin, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, participated in this event when he was a student, and said he is excited to be able to just watch and reminisce on old times.

“I was involved in this as a student and have fond memories of performing some of the same acts that students will perform this year,” said Pamplin. “Later as a young faculty member, I was the emcee for a few years and enjoyed watching the shows again through the eyes of my young kids. Now as department chair with my own kids at ACU, I get to sit back and watch the whole show.”

The Chemistry Circus is put on by students in the Chemistry Club as well as students in the seminar class.

The purpose of the event is for people to come and enjoy themselves while experiencing first hand what the students have learned over the semester.

Dr. Brad Rix, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry said the Chemistry Circus is for people to come and be educated while watching cool things happen.

“It is more fun with a little educational part to it,” Rix said. “We kind of talk a little bit about the experiment we are going to do on a real basic level because its just a general audience… we really just want to set things on fire, blow things up and make fun colors.”

Rix said this is a fun and safe way to indulge in something you enjoy or a way to get away from the busy duties that homecoming week brings.

“All are welcome to come and enjoy the show,” said Pamplin. “There are occasionally loud sounds or stinky smells, but we always warn the audience prior to such demos so that parents can prepare their very young kids or take them out if necessary, and anyone with potential breathing difficulties can be near an exit if need be.”