[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5000]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    WORLD CIRCUS DAY--APRIL 21, 2012

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                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 21, 2012 
as World Circus Day, a day of celebration when children of all ages 
celebrate the art, culture, and laughter of the circus. With over 40 
countries celebrating, we recognize an art form that not only amazes 
and entertains, but also builds bridges between cultures and people 
across the globe.
  In 2008, the World Circus Federation was created and established 
World Circus Day as an opportunity to celebrate circus culture and 
heritage.
  The circus in America is a beloved and enduring art form. For over 
200 years, the circus has entertained generations with amazing feats of 
physical skill, comedy, theater, and music, while exposing us to the 
cultures and wonders of the world.
  Today's circus continues to amaze and inspire children of all ages by 
bridging generations and cultures in the pursuit of the very best in 
circus arts and skill. From St. Louis's own Circus Harmony working with 
urban youth, to the Galilee Circus which uses circus arts to bring 
Jewish and Arab children together, social circus exemplifies the very 
best of the circus culture as a means of creating friendships and 
understanding that transcends borders, economics, politics, and 
religion.
  The great state of Florida is home to many of the best-known and 
longest-operating circuses in the country, including the Ringling Bros. 
and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. and Circus 
Sarasota. Many of these famous circuses and the artists who perform 
with them call the 13th District of Florida ``home.''
  Known as ``Circus City USA,'' Sarasota boasts the world-renowned John 
and Mable Ringling Museum, the legacy of famed circus impresario John 
Ringling, whose vision for establishing Sarasota as a thriving cultural 
center is still alive today. Now under the stewardship of Florida State 
University, the Ringling Museum is home to a vast collection of 
European art and sculpture as well as its famed Tibbals Learning 
Center, home to the Howard Bros. Circus model--the largest miniature 
circus in the world.
  Internationally recognized, our hometown Circus Sarasota is a non-
profit organization dedicated to the preservation and continuation of 
circus arts in our community. Founded by circus great Dolly Jacobs, 
daughter of famous Ringling Bros. clown Lou Jacobs, and partner Pedro 
Reis, Circus Sarasota's ``Laughter Unlimited'' program exemplifies the 
notion that ``laughter is the best medicine,'' reaching out to 
hospitals and senior centers to bring joy and comfort. Its annual 
circus performances showcase some of the finest circus talent in the 
world today.
  Circus Sarasota is also home to the Sarasota Sailor Circus, in 
operation since 1949 and the oldest continuously running youth circus 
in America.
  From the iconic Ringling Bridge across Sarasota Bay to the main 
thoroughfare Ringling Boulevard, the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey 
legacy is also ever present. Beginning with John Ringling's decision to 
relocate his annual winterquarters rehearsals to Sarasota in 1927, 
Ringling Bros. remains in many ways synonymous with our area. John and 
Charles Ringling--two of the five original Ringling brothers who turned 
a small traveling circus into an international entertainment empire--
wielded incredible influence on the economy, development, culture, and 
character of this same quaint village on beautiful Sarasota Bay.
  Now in its 142nd year, and under the stewardship of the Feld family, 
the Greatest Show on Earth continues to call the Sarasota area home.
  Almost everywhere you look in Sarasota, our circus heritage is 
evident. The ever popular Circus Ring of Fame, established in 1988 at 
St. Armand's circle, pays tribute to the greats of the circus world, 
including such Sarasota notables as famed animal trainer, Gunter Gebel-
Williams, clowns Lou Jacobs and Emmett Kelley and great artists such as 
the Flying Wallendas and the Zacchinis.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the generations of circus artists, 
producers, and animal trainers that call the 13th District of Florida 
home, I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy World Circus 
Day!

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