SARASOTA, FL, Nov. 5, 2024 — The Circus Ring of Fame® Foundation announced today that its annual awards ceremony, originally scheduled for February 8, 2025, at the Circus Sarasota Big Top, will be postponed until 2026 due to extensive damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The severe destruction at St. Armands Circle Park, the impact on local businesses, and damage to the Circus Ring of Fame plaques and bronze circus wagon wheels were cited as reasons for the delay.
“Out of respect for the people of Sarasota, who have lost so much and are now focused on restoring their homes, reopening their businesses, and recovering from the hurricanes’ impact,” said Bill Powell, chairman of the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation, “we believe that all near-term efforts should be dedicated to recovery, repair, and reopening.”
Powell also highlighted the foundation’s immediate priorities. “During 2025, we need to fund extensive mitigation and complete repairs. Once we accomplish this, we can come together to celebrate.”
The foundation will dedicate the remainder of 2024 and 2025 to restoring the 160 bronze plaques, which have suffered from saltwater exposure, causing delamination, fading, and oxidation. This pause will also allow the city of Sarasota to assess the damage and restore the beauty of St. Armands Circle Park.
“We look forward to welcoming our honorees in February 2026,” said Powell, “when we will induct Elvin Bale, Franco Dragone, and the Vazquez Family into the Circus Ring of Fame. We will also honor Lu Yi as Circus Arts Coach of the Year and introduce our newest Generation NeXt winners.”
Donations to support the restoration and maintenance of the Circus Ring of Fame plaques can be made on the foundation’s website:
For more information, contact circusringoffame@gmail.com
Press representative:
HARTLINE Communications at (813) 494-7768 or melinda@hartlinecommunications.com.
Follow the foundation’s updates on Facebook at facebook.com/circusringoffame or visit circusringoffame.org