Circus serves up fun at Sarasota mall

Mall at UTC hosts circus-themed summer fun.

  • By Amelia Hanks
  • | 2:22 p.m. June 14, 2018
  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Harper Lassiter, 3, couldn't tear her eyes away from the plate she spun on a stick at The Mall at UTC. Her small hand grasped the end of the stick and had to be pried away by her father, Jimmy Lassiter.

"She likes gymnastics. She tumbles all the time," Jimmy Lassiter said while Harper watched performers from the Sailor Arts Academy, a program of the Circus Arts Conservatory.

The Lassiters, who live in University Park, were attending The Mall at UTC Summer Fun Club on June 14, which had the theme Circus Day. Children from all over Sarasota and Manatee counties came out to try circus activities and watch performances from children in the Sailor Circus Academy.

The event included face painting, plate spinning, hula hoops and learning from actual circus performers. 

Who knows? Circus Day could have inspired the next big circus performer to take the stage. 

Kennedy Cameron, 15, performs with the Sailor Circus Academy in Sarasota.
Kennedy Cameron, 15, performs with the Sailor Circus Academy in Sarasota.
The Sailor Circus Academy's Emma Clarke, 12, has an almost five minute routine of spins and twists high above the ground in her hoop.
The Sailor Circus Academy's Emma Clarke, 12, has an almost five minute routine of spins and twists high above the ground in her hoop.
Parrish resident Jackson Stoles, 5, says he got a dragon painted on his face because it
Parrish resident Jackson Stoles, 5, says he got a dragon painted on his face because it " looked cool."
Parrish's Brexton Sullivan, 4, likes watching the circus but doesn't think he wants to join.
Parrish's Brexton Sullivan, 4, likes watching the circus but doesn't think he wants to join.
Sarasota's Jack Rubner, 2, loves his clown nose he got at Circus Day.
Sarasota's Jack Rubner, 2, loves his clown nose he got at Circus Day.
Sailor Circus Academy's Teresa Powell, 16, helps Parrish's Riley Zawacki, 4, learn how to do a back bend, a basic tumbling technique.
Sailor Circus Academy's Teresa Powell, 16, helps Parrish's Riley Zawacki, 4, learn how to do a back bend, a basic tumbling technique.
Sailor Circus Academy performer Callahan Harchuck, 10, walks around the Circus Day festivities on stilts.
Sailor Circus Academy performer Callahan Harchuck, 10, walks around the Circus Day festivities on stilts.
Eleanor Hon, 5, from Georgia, is visiting her family in Sarasota and loves unicorns.
Eleanor Hon, 5, from Georgia, is visiting her family in Sarasota and loves unicorns.
University Park's Harper Lassiter, 3, and her 1-year-old brother, Jackson, stares at the spinning plate.
University Park's Harper Lassiter, 3, and her 1-year-old brother, Jackson, stares at the spinning plate.
Parrish's Reese Phillips, 5, enjoys balancing the plate on one finger as it spins.
Parrish's Reese Phillips, 5, enjoys balancing the plate on one finger as it spins.

 

Latest News

Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota has served as the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles since 2010.
  • May 29, 2026
Sarasota spring training stadium to get HVAC overhaul
Matthew Myers is the chief of Emergency Management for Manatee County.
  • May 29, 2026
Custom equipment, software to accelerate Manatee County hurricane response
Benderson Development is wrapping up its latest phase of construction at the business and industrial park off Toledo Blade Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
County economic development agency contract approved for 2027
A Kobi Karp Architecture rendering of the 18-story Adagio luxury condo tower as viewed at the northwest corner of South Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
Adagio receives partial staff sign-off; adjustments still required

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content