SHOWTOWN, USA

Back when other major economic collapse was hitting America, and the Dust Bowl was sweeping across most of the farming land in the heartland of America, people took their minds off their troubles by going to the circus or carnivals. The traveling shows provided entertainment of varied sorts. The Ferris Wheel was a popular destination for some, but most came to gawk at the sideshows or 10 in 1's.

Many of you may know of Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. This once landmark staple of Americana is soon to go out of business. It will be the closing of Dreamland, wiping out a chapter of American history. The not so P.C. name of freaks and oddities that created the aura around Coney Island and the traveling sideshows were the big draw. People would flock to see the sword swallower or have their destiny (past, present, and future) read. They would stare at the dwarf and the giant. Mesmerized they would stand back of the snake charmer and recoil from the carnies, braving only enough contact to hand over a ticket or dime. Siamese twins would astound and those who would ingest fire would amaze. The bearded lady and alligator boy might share platform to be displayed.

The summers were the busy times for the sideshow performers, and when winter came they all needed a place where they could go to vacation. Since the rest of the world wasn't use to them, and would probably have been a little less understanding then their normal circus traveling party, most of the sideshow acts congregated in Gibsonton, Florida during the winter.

Gibsonton (or Gibton) AKA Showtown, USA is just 10 miles south of the Tampa area. It has a post office for small people where the counter is just three feet tall. Remnants from the old carnival rides still sit on many of the front yards. It's a badge of honor, and the more relics you have the better a citizen you are.

In the spirit of our Three Ring Circus this weekend we offer you this free history lesson on the great state of Florida. We hope you enjoyed it.