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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Welcome to “Circus City, USA”
Sarasota, FL, has maintained the nickname “Circus City” for decades. Beginning with The Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus headquarters to training a new generation of circus performers at The Sailor Circus Academy and honoring the greats throughout circus history, this Florida city is much more than a beach town. In fact, Sarasota is home to more retired, practicing, and up-and-coming trapeze artists, clowns, lion tamers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, and ring leaders than any other city worldwide. Each year, nearly 300,000 visitors from near and far find joy in the exploration, education, and endless inspiration found at The Ringling Circus Museum. Take a walk with the local experts here at Best Western Siesta Key through the past, present, and future to learn how Sarasota became one of the most noteworthy circus towns in the world.
Circus History of Sarasota
In 1927, John Ringling dubbed Sarasota as the official winter headquarters for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, putting this Florida city on the map. In the 1920s, Sarasota experienced extreme growth, in part thanks to the Greatest Show on Earth. Over the years, more and more circuses and circus families began calling Sarasota home. A clown college was even established in 1967 to continue the legacy through the next generation of circus performers. Sarasota’s reputation of being a circus town was known worldwide, especially as films like Dumbo and The Greatest Show on Earth took place here. In 2013, Sarasota’s legacy as “Circus City, USA” was restored when Sarasota native Nik Wallenda successfully took his steps across a high wire above the Grand Canyon without a safety harness.
When Does the Circus Come to Town?
With ample opportunities to watch jugglers, tightrope walkers, swinging trapeze artists, and more, going to the circus is a Sarasota tradition that will not soon be neglected. The Sailor Circus Academy holds two annual performances every spring and winter. Their 2021 winter show, Let it Snow, will make its way to the arena from December 26 – December 30. Circus Sarasota also holds an annual event in a European-style one-ring big top. Catch their next show from February 11 – March 6. Finally, Cirque Des Voix: Circus of the Voices arrives in town on March 18, 2022, under the Ulla Searing Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park. For more information, we recommend visiting https://circusarts.org/performances/.
Training for the Circus
If you’ve ever dreamt of swinging from the tallest trapeze, dancing up ariel silks, or juggling heaps of clubs while standing on top of a grand piano, all to hear the “ooh” and “aww” of a crowd stuck in a trance, then Sarasota is the place for you. Since 1949, the Sailor Circus Academy (also known as “The Greatest Little Show on Earth”) has trained young circus performers from elementary school through high school. The Circus Arts Conservatory also offers weekly classes for kids and adults looking to try something new or feed their desire to perform under the big top and keep the circus alive.
Honoring the Greats
Nestled in the heart of St. Armand’s Circle is the Circus Ring of Fame, dedicated in honor to those who have made a significant impact on the circus arts and culture. Since 1988, there have been over 140 inductees who have received a golden wagon wheel plaque. Among these honorees are P.T. Barnum, all five Ringling Brothers, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Lilian Leitzel, Emmett Kelly, the Flying Wallendas, and so many more. In the center, looking over the Circus Ring of Fame, is a statue of Mr. John Ringling himself.
Whether you are a resident of Sarasota or a guest staying here at Best Western Siesta Key, you are sure to notice subtle nods to the circus all over town. From landmarks named after John Ringling to colorful “circus houses” along Fruitville Rd. and businesses like Big Top Brewing Co., they all pay homage to the circus roots that put this city on the map many decades ago.