The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation® induction ceremony will take place Saturday, February 4, 2023, in the Circus Sarasota Big Top located at Nathan Benderson Park Regatta Center. The ceremony combines Academy Awards style lifetime achievement and Hollywood Walk of Fame to honor the “creme de la creme” in the circus arts. Tickets are available through Eventbrite here.

The 2023 Circus Ring of Fame inductees are:

1. Peggy Williams –Peggy Williams’ contributions to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and the circus industry literally made history. In 1970, Peggy became the first female graduate of Clown College to perform in The Greatest Show On Earth. In 1980, she was the company’s first female performance director. Peggy also worked to create Ringling’s Department of Educational Services. Under her leadership, Circusworkswas created and gained national attention as it was taught in classrooms nationwide.

2. The Alexis Brothers –Marco and Paulo Lorador have performed their artistic hand balancing to millions of fans worldwide including the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Alexis Brothers have been featured in The Greatest Show On Earth and Cirque du Soleilwhere they headlined the Mystere show at Treasure Island Resort for 25 years

3. Jeanette Williams –Jeanette’s heritage is from Germany’s famous Circus Williams family. She performed with liberty horses and multiple animals in Europe and in the USA with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Jeanette produced her own show in America and became a prominent agent for circus arts talent.

4. Father Jerry Hogan –Father Hogan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston for 46 years, served for three decades as the national “Circus Chaplain” under the direction of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Father Jerry frequently traveled ministering to different circus troupes and performers. He was a fixture in the circus community, presiding over weddings, baptisms and memorial services and counseling his large flock. Father Jerry was loved by many.

The induction ceremony will include new features such as performances by Generation NeXtartists who represent the future of circus arts, and the announcement of the winners of the Circus Talk website Members Voice Award. The Members Voice Award recognizes a circus artist whose work demonstrates courageous expression, social relevance, and artistic and technical acumen.