HAPPY WORLD CIRCUS DAY! (From Don Covington)

04-21-2012 06;32;49AM, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr. The Congressional Record WORLD CIRCUS DAY—APRIL 21, 2012 HON. VERN BUCHANAN OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 21, 2012 as World Circus Day, a day of celebration when children of all ages celebrate the art, culture, and laughter of the circus. With over 40 countries celebrating, we recognize an art form that not only amazes and entertains, but also builds bridges between cultures and people across the globe. In 2008, the World Circus Federation was created and established World Circus Day as an opportunity to celebrate circus culture and heritage. The circus in America is a beloved and enduring art form. For over 200 years, the circus has entertained generations with amazing feats of physical skill, comedy, theater, and music, while exposing us to the cultures and wonders of the world. Today’s circus continues to amaze and inspire children of all ages by bridging generations and cultures in the pursuit of the very best in circus arts and skill. From St. Louis’s own Circus Harmony working with urban youth, to the Galilee Circus which uses circus arts to bring Jewish and Arab children together, social circus exemplifies the very best of the circus culture as a means of creating friendships and understanding that transcends borders, economics, politics, and religion. The great state of Florida is home to many of the best-known and longest-operating circuses in the country, including the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. and Circus Sarasota. Many of these famous circuses and the artists who perform with them call the 13th District of Florida ‘‘home.’’ Known as ‘‘Circus City USA,’’ Sarasota boasts the world-renowned John and Mable Ringling Museum, the legacy of famed circus impresario John Ringling, whose vision for establishing Sarasota as a thriving cultural center is still alive today. Now under the stewardship of Florida State University, the Ringling Museum is home to a vast collection of European art and sculpture as well as its famed Tibbals Learning Center, home to the Howard Bros. Circus model—the largest miniature circus in the world. Internationally recognized, our hometown Circus Sarasota is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and continuation of circus arts in our community. Founded by circus great Dolly Jacobs, daughter of famous Ringling Bros. clown Lou Jacobs, and partner Pedro Reis, Circus Sarasota’s ‘‘Laughter Unlimited’’ program exemplifies the notion that ‘‘laughter is the best medicine,’’ reaching out to hospitals and senior centers to bring joy and comfort. Its annual circus performances showcase some of the finest circus talent in the world today. Circus Sarasota is also home to the Sarasota Sailor Circus, in operation since 1949 and the oldest continuously running youth circus in America. From the iconic Ringling Bridge across Sarasota Bay to the main thoroughfare Ringling Boulevard, the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey legacy is also ever present. Beginning with John Ringling’s decision to relocate his annual winterquarters rehearsals to Sarasota in 1927, Ringling Bros. remains in many ways synonymous with our area. John and Charles Ringling—two of the five original Ringling brothers who turned a small traveling circus into an international entertainment empire— wielded incredible influence on the economy, development, culture, and character of this same quaint village on beautiful Sarasota Bay. Now in its 142nd year, and under the stewardship of the Feld family, the Greatest Show on Earth continues to call the Sarasota area home. Almost everywhere you look in Sarasota, our circus heritage is evident. The ever popular Circus Ring of Fame, established in 1988 at St. Armand’s circle, pays tribute to the greats of the circus world, including such Sarasota notables as famed animal trainer, Gunter Gebel-Williams, clowns Lou Jacobs and Emmett Kelley and great artists such as the Flying Wallendas and the Zacchinis. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the generations of circus artists, producers, and animal trainers that call the 13th District of Florida home, I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy World Circus Day!