- April 26, 2024
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Haylee Palasz, 5, and McKaya Wolf, 8, go for a spin on the Nascar ride.
Photo by Ian SwabyMichelangelo Nock makes his way for the skies during a circus performance.
Photo by Ian SwabyJason Henry, Grade 11, with Ben and and Wyatt Johnston, Grade 9, with a not-yet-named rooster.
Photo by Ian SwabyAlex Floyd, 4, enjoys a visit to Goat Island.
Photo by Ian SwabyGlenn and Arlo Darling, 4, enjoy spending time together while flying through the air.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe drop tower descends, with Bradenton's Laila Woodall, 10 (center) on board.
Photo by Ian SwabyLuis Perez of Ranch Mateo Los Gemelo keeps the chicken legs coming.
Photo by Ian SwabyChase Treadwell, 7, prepares to make a swing in the strongman game.
Photo by Ian SwabyJack O'Reilly, 3, Benny O'Reilly, 6, Sarah O'Reilly, 3 and Lane O'Reilly, 12
Photo by Ian SwabyMichelangelo Nock and Erendira Wallenda prepare to switch places atop 80-foot towers during a circus performance.
Photo by Ian SwabyLynden Sudweeks and Emily Nelson watch an act high in the air by the Nerveless Nocks.
Photo by Ian SwabyJoe Rainey and Marsha Kirksey watch as Steven Lombardo of Fritzy Brothers One Man Circus sails by.
Photo by Ian SwabyAs he towered above the Sarasota County Fair atop an 80-foot pole, performing the act alongside Erindera Wallenda, Michelangelo Nock felt right at home amid the circus history of Sarasota with which his family is intertwined.
“This is the original home base of John Ringling North’s Ringling Brothers, then they moved to Bobby Jones (Golf Club)” he said after descending.
Indeed, the Sarasota County Fair has an extensive history, and this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary, having first been held in 1924.
Nock hopes that the tradition will not end, however, and indeed he and The Nerveless Nocks, including performer Siena Hartzell in the aerial hoop, helped keep audiences on the ground entertained and applauding once again.
“Every county in America needs a county fair,” he said. “You’ve got to keep this tradition going.”
He noted that county fairs are beneficial for agriculture activities and groups like 4-H.
Farm to School Coordinator for Sarasota County Kate Traugott said the experience has been impactful for the young people who exhibit there.
“I think this is such a great opportunity for them to practice their leadership skills, their future employability skills, with confidence that they're learning, and the grit that it takes,” she said. “They worked on these projects for months to bring them here, and I think that’s a really valuable experience for them.”
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Michelangelo Nock.
