We live less than 35 miles from what became, in 1927, the winter home of the Ringling Circus in Sarasota.
The city became known as Circus City and is home to a lot of circus history, museums and culture that are often lost in the much more well known beach culture that thrives there.
We’ve lived here nearly 2 years and I knew a bit about the circus history, including a town called Gibsonton, which I read about in Randy Wayne White’s novels. Gibsonton became famous as a sideshow wintering town. It was home to Percilla the Monkey Girl, the Anatomical Wonder, and the Lobster Boy. Siamese twin sisters ran a fruit stand here. At one time, it was the only post office with a counter for dwarfs.
I never gave the nearby circus heritage much thought, but this week, with my friend Cindy and her husband Dan visiting from Washington state, I saw a notice that there was a Summer Circus Spectacular starting this week in Sarasota. We went up and saw the show this morning. It was interesting and entertaining, but short. It sparked a much bigger interest in the history of the circus in the area though. I’ll write much more about Gibsonton and the circus history of the area on Tuesday.
In the meantime, if you get a chance to see a circus…go! I guarantee it’ll bring a smile to your face. And exercising those smiley muscles are good for the soul.
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