Freemasons get a lot of crap because of the secrecy around their meetings. More and more Masonic bodies are putting on public open houses to try and show that they are not some crazy ass cult.

I say that with affection because coming from a Masonic family, I have seen some crazy ass Shriners.

Im sorry you guys had less than perfect experiences at the Circus and yeah, entertainment-wise its not the best choice but I can tell you that the money raised does go to their charities. If you are really pissed off about it Soul...I can try and find out someone you can talk to.
I might be a little biased toward the Shriners because of the way they took care of my grandmother when she was a child and the way they supported my family when my uncle died many years ago. I do think the Masonic bodies as a whole need to do more to open themselves up to their communities but a lot of the rumors and stories you hear are just that and are not true.