This January 12th in Sarasota FloridaThe Circus Ring of Fame Foundation(an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) will officially induct the Class of 2020 after conducting global outreach with new Circus Advisory Council. The Foundation says that the nomination and voting process has been extensive because it incorporated its first ever global outreach along with the newly established Circus Advisory Council.

“This new process has been in discussion for the past three years,” said Bill Powell, Chair of the Foundation. “We wanted to find a method of broadening the feedback loop to incorporate voices from the worldwide circus arts community. The simple online balloting was made available in July and we expect to build upon this success in future years. The Circus Advisory Council will help create a global community to fulfill our core purpose of recognizing the highest of achievements in circus arts and culture” said Powell.

“With this class of inductees, The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation is embarking on a global quest to honor the best of the best. It is our goal to grow the stature of this award and make Sarasota a premiere destination for the worldwide circus community to gather on an annual basis.” Powell noted. 

The Circus Ring of Fame Class of 2020 inductees are:

1. Guy Laliberté – Founder of Cirque Du Soleil, One Drop charity, and Lune Rouge. This former street performer has built one of the world’s largest live entertainment companies.

2. The King Charles Troupe – For decades this unicycle troupe has entertained audiences all over the world with its basketball high-jinx and comedic antics. 

3. Los Quiros High Wire Artistry – High-wire artistry performed by a family that has received multiple international awards for performances around the world.

4. The Carillo Brothers High Wire Duo – These award-winning international circus artists span two generations of fathers who handed down their skills to their sons.

“With this class of inductees, The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation is embarking on a global quest to honor the best of the best. It is our goal to grow the stature of this award and make Sarasota a premiere destination for the worldwide circus community to gather on an annual basis.” Powell noted.

The new inductees to the Circus Ring of Fame will join the 110 who have been honored since 1987. All of those who have been recognized have made a significant contribution to the art and culture of the circus. The ceremony on January 12, 2020 will coincide with the unveiling of four new monuments at St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida.

Photo image source: Circus Ring of Fame website