Circus fans will have a chance to meet some legends this weekend as the St. Armands Circle Ring of Fame prepares to induct entertainers in its annual celebration, now entering its 31st year.
Famed circus clown and Sarasota resident Chucko Sidlow, director of the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Laughter Unlimited Humor Therapy Program, leads the cast when ceremonies begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. Honorees also include Cedric Walker, founder of the UniverSoul Circus renowned for its hip-hop, jazz and R&B scores; trapeze artists Flying Espanas; The Fredonias; and a posthumous salute to diminutive polar bear trainer Ursula Boettcher.
The public is invited to a 10 a.m. panel discussion Friday at Showfolks of Sarasota, 5204 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, to meet the inductees. Saturday’s event will be preceded by a 1:15 concert by the Sarasota Circus Concert Band under the direction of Andrew Glover. A post-induction reception at Showfolks will commence at 5 p.m.
For more information, contact Brian Liddicoat at 410-812-9297 or online at circusrof@gmail.com, or visit circusringoffame.org.