The Fredonias, Cedric Walker, Ursula Boettcher, The Ramon Espana Family — The Flying Espanas and Chuck “Chucko” Sidlow were inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame on Jan. 13.
By
Katie Johns
| 4:48 p.m. January 13, 2018
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Innovators.
That’s the word the 2018 Circus Ring of Fame Master of Ceremonies Barry Lubin used to describe this year’s inductees.
“They are innovators in an art form that has been around for a long time,” Lubin told the crowd gathered in St. Armands Circle Park on Jan. 13.
The 2018 Circus Ring of Fame induction ceremony added five circus greats to it’s act on Saturday.
This year’s inductees included Chuck “Chucko” Sidlow, a first generation clown; Ursula Boettcher and Alaska the polar bear, who were known for their act together; The Flying Espanas, who were known for incorporating ballet and aerial choreography and gymnastic stunts into their trapeze act; The Fredonias, who were known for their risley act; and Cedric Walker, creator of UniverSoul Circus.
The ceremony was a celebration of the circus world. Perhaps Walker described it best when explaining how he would answer being asked what he loved most about the circus.
He said, of course, his answer can be traced to the jugglers and clowns or the smell of popcorn and cotton candy, but when it comes down to it, one thing makes his work worthwhile.
“If I had to pick one thing … it would be the sight of little kids’ faces when they look at the ring,” he said.
Master of Ceremonies Barry Lubin and Ilona Fullgrap, who was part of The Fredonias.
The Sarasota Circus Band performs before the induction begins.
Master of Ceremonies Barry Lubin welcomes the crowd.
Chuck “Chucko” Sidlow laughs during the induction ceremony.
Inductee Chuck “Chucko” Sidlow laughs with sponsor Al Van Tiegham.
Ilona Fullgrap, part of inductee group The Fredonias, laughs with the crowd.
The Flying Espanas wave to the crowd following their induction.
Master of Ceremonies Barry Lubin and inductee Cedric Walker
Chuck “Chucko” Sidlow holds his induction plaque up for the crowd to see.
Ramon “Monchis” Espana speaks to the crowd about being part of The Flying Espanas.
Carolina Espana Nock speaks to the crowd about The Flying Espanas.
John Zamoiski and Sherry Powell show off Ursula Boettcher’s plaque.
Inductees and their representatives reveal their plaques on the Circus Ring of Fame.
The Flying Espanas wave to the crowd following their induction.
Cedric and Cynthia Walker
Sherry Powell holds up Ursula Boettcher plaque to a photo of Boettcher and the polar bear, Alaska.
Inductees and their representatives reveal their plaques on the Circus Ring of Fame.
Master of Ceremonies Barry Lubin and Chuck “Chucko” Sidlow are all smiles during the induction ceremony.
John Zamoiski speaks on behalf of inductee Ursula Boettcher.
The Flying Espanas wave to the crowd following their induction.
Ivan Espana addresses the crowd during the induction ceremony.
Inductees and their representatives reveal their plaques on the Circus Ring of Fame.
Ilona Fullgrap, part of inductee group The Fredonias poses next to their plaque.
