lisa stark photos / lisastark.com
By LISA STARK
Contributing Writer/Photographer
Awe and wonder could be seen on the faces of children and adults alike at the annual Showmen’s Charity Circus held Saturday, Jan. 10, at the showgrounds in Gibsonton. There was no shortage of amazing performers at the big top event, including clowns, acrobats, aerialists, trapeze artists, and fire-eating stuntmen. But it was the star-studded cast of animal entertainers that really stole the show. The enraptured audience got to see zebras, camels, poodles, acrobatic horses, miniature ponies and, of course, the magnificent elephants, trained and presented by Brian Franzen.
For more than three decades, the International Independent Showmen’s Association has presented a traditional American charity circus under the big top, with acts from around the world. All performers donate their time, talent and equipment to this fundraiser. This year’s show included ringmaster and producer Lee Stevens, 
ringmaster Chris Conners of Cole Brothers Circus, Broadway performer Jennifer Walker and her herd of performing camels, Johnny Peers and his comic K9s, trapeze artist Rebecca Ostroff from the Monte Carlo Circus, fire-eater Lamont, amazing aerialist Susan Vidbell, and Lancelot Ramos with his fascinating performing horses.
Kids, parents, and seniors enjoyed the largest circus band in America, led by Maestro Chuck Schlabaum, as well as funny clown jugglers, balancing acts, camel and elephant rides, vendors of tasty food, and a giant circus model display. There was something for everyone. “This is a traditional-style circus” said Stevens, chairman and producer of the show, meaning that it holds with the tradition of focusing much of the spotlight on the animal performances.
Since the 1980s, contemporary circus has been credited with reviving circus popul
arity by shifting more toward theatrical techniques and emphasizing human rather than animal acts. The most obvious contemporary success story has been that of Cirque du Soleil, the Canadian circus company whose estimated annual revenue now exceeds $800 million, and whose shows have been seen by nearly 90 million spectators worldwide. In spite of this, traditional circus is still preferred by many audiences, especially at the local level. Numerous circuses continue to maintain animal acts, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
When asked what their favorite part of the circus was, the overwhelming response from children at the event was the animal entertainers, especially the horses, zebras and elephants. For these young spectators, the animals were the stars of the show.
Look for more upcoming events at the Gibtown Showmen’s Club, including the 47th annual “Super Trade Show Extravaganza,” scheduled for Feb. 3-7. For more information, visit www.gibtownshowmensclub.com or call 813-677-3590.
Gloria Myers, Mavis Johnson and Gloria Wilkinson.
