THE BALLOON MAN

Annual circus benefits charity

Freelance clown Jack Cook of Riverview has a bit of trouble with his comedy car during the first of three performances at the Gibsonton Showmen's Charity Circus.
By LOIS KINDLE The Tampa Tribune
Published: January 22, 2011
01/22/2011
Animal trainers, clowns, fire-eaters and their brethren from all over the state converged under the big top Jan. 8 and more than 3,000 people came to see them.
It was time for the annual Gibsonton Showmen's Charity Circus.
"This is the third time I've brought my children," said Tracy Watson of Apollo Beach, watching her daughters, Sheena, 8, and Shannon, 3, who were sitting ringside to get a closer view. "They enjoy everything about it, especially the animals. It's nice family time for us."
It wasn't only children and their parents packing the stands, though.
"I love coming to the circus," said Sun City Center resident Lois Paris, 73. "I love the sights, the sounds, the smells … It reminds me of the three-ring circus I visited in Detroit when I was a child."
That's what so enduring about a circus under the big top, said Lee Stevens, circus show chairman for the past 15 years and an animal trainer for 36.
"It's a place where kids can fantasize about doing something daring, something different than what they experience every day," Stevens. "It's for old people, too. The circus helps them relive their childhoods."
The three Jan. 8 performances included a variety of acts, with 18 volunteer performers who work in other for-profit circuses. Retired circus folks also help out during the event.
"Everyone comes at their own expense," said Chris Christ, the show's publicity chairman. "Many are from the area, but others travel from Myakka, Sarasota and Brooksville."
Proceeds from the shows go to area nonprofits, which are chosen each year by the International Independent Showmen's Association charity committee.
"Every year we give to different groups but they all have to be local and benefit local residents, like Mary and Martha House, LifePath Hospice and Joshua House," said Stevens, a board member of the 20-member committee. "We will be meeting soon to determine this year's recipients."
As the years go by, Christ said, there are less and less under-tent circuses that show one day and then move to another town.
"There are only eight remaining across the country," he said.
"I've been performing since I was 3," said Catalina Liebel, whose father owns the Liebling Bros. Circus in Haines City. "I began as a contortionist and then added aerial work, when I was 7."
Now 15, Liebel said she's been home-schooled like most circus kids.
"I really love what I do. It's quite a rush," she said.
Nothing can replace the feeling of an old-time circus, Christ said. There's an intimacy between performers and audience found nowhere else.
"It's an old-fashioned, American institution."
If you missed all the fun and excitement at the big top this year, don't despair. The show will be back in 2012 for its 30th anniversary celebration.