It’s time to return to the big top!
Alumni of the storied Circus World theme park that once occupied a spot at the I-4 and U.S. Highway 27 interchange, along with EPCOT Circus alumni and circus enthusiasts of all kinds, are invited to a reunion the weekend of August 27-28 at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando-Lake Buena Vista.
Circus World opened in 1974 and was originally intended to be the winter home of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily Circus, along with a community for retired circus performers and an elephant-shaped hotel, the latter two of which were never built. The park, which couldn’t compete with Disney World and the Orlando attractions, closed in 1986.
Four acts and a ringmaster have been booked for August’s reunion, which includes a Saturday evening circus stage show, dinner, and a birthday celebration of Tito Gaona and Tony Steele.
In addition, Elvin and Bonnie Bale-Seidon, who performed at the theme park in the 1970s and 1980s, will speak and Bonnie Bale-Seidon will show off some of her circus-wear creations. A t-shirt she designed will be available for purchase, with proceeds going to animal care groups.
“If you have any circus memorabilia, photo albums, costumes, circus decorations, bring them along to dress up the room,” said organizer Dan Stapleton.
He added photographers will be on hand for souvenir photographs of all performers and animal handlers, clowns, dancers, and then aerialists.
There will also be a free raffle drawing for prizes.
Registrations are now being accepted. Make your check out to “Circus World Reunion III” and mail to Dan Stapleton, PO Box 2131, Windermere, FL 34786. He can also be reached at [email protected] or by calling 407-491-3287.