(VIDEO) Up Goes the Big Top

In a matter of minutes on Thursday afternoon, an empty piece of land on the St. Louis Park-Golden Valley border became a majestic, sprawling circus tent.

The ceremonial tent raising was for Cavalia, an artistic equestrian show from the co-founder of Cirque du Soleil. The show is set to premiere near the in St. Louis Park on Sept. 21.

St. Louis Park Mayor Jeff Jacobs was on hand to take in the ceremony, and he bid "bienvenue" (welcome) to Quebec-based show.

"I think this is just fantastic. I'm really excited," Jacobs said. "The location is great. It's certainly going to bring a huge economic impact to this part of town."

Normand Latourelle, Cavalia's founder, said he anticipated upwards of 200 temporary jobs coming to the community as the show builds up a support staff. Cavalia will run Sept. 21 through Oct. 2, six days per week, with each show expected to draw roughly 2,000 spectators.

Latourelle said eight more tents will go up on the 16-acre site between now and Sept. 21 to complete the Cavalia grounds. In all, roughly 100 trucks will be needed to transport the remaining tents, as well as all the other equipment that goes into the show.

When the show starts, 90 performers—45 people and 45 horses—will take to a 164-foot wide stage made of sand inside the big top.