Quick Links
In the 1940s, Gibsonton, a tiny town in Florida, rose to fame for its circus shows. Strange as it may sound, this small village has a charm that is unmatched anywhere else. All that matters are the people. Given the welcoming atmosphere, this census-designated place with 18,500 residents might become any visitor’s home away from their hometown.
Gibsonton, which is close to Tampa, may get tourists closer to fascinating big-city attractions including museums, amusement parks, and conference centers. Hillsborough County is where both are situated. Tourists shall be encouraged to set out on an adventure to discover the greatest things to do in Gibsonton and the reasons that made this marvelous and unique Florida town so famous!
Overview Of The Forever Circus, Gibsonton
Gibsonton, Florida, sometimes known as Gibtown, is a quiet neighborhood. Gibsonton has a remarkable history of showmanship. Oddities were formerly considered commodities in this place, and through these variances, everyone felt at home.
Famous circus "freaks" made the small Floridian town their winter retreat and retirement home. Even though the days of the circus are long gone, Gibsonton still possesses that unmistakable atmosphere of showmanship.
Tourists can revisit the heyday of P.T. Barnum and the Ringling Brothers due to an annual trade fair, a museum dedicated to carnivals, and a boot memorial!
The Gibsonton The Well-Known Home For All Types Of Talents And People
The Roaring Twenties and the Dirty Thirties were when circuses reached their height of popularity with their huge striped tents, wild animals, and extravagant displays.
Circus sideshow performers, sometimes known as circus freaks, were commonplace in the trade. Even if it was a different historical period, humans remain the same: they are always captivated and occasionally terrified by what is different from them.
Ward Hall, a manager, showman, and protector of oddities, was aware of this. He came to Gibsonton in 1967, well after circuses had started to fade.
With a flair for the stage and an eye for talent, Ward regarded the "freaks" as wonderful individuals. He reasoned that since society would be gawking anyhow, why not make it pay?
The Gibsonton freak show, in Ward's opinion, was a right to work. It provided those labeled as misfits with a means of generating income, a temporary family, and a place to reside where they might feel at home.
Ward proclaimed with satisfaction that he was the father of the "freaks." His famed "family" includes Emmitt the Alligator-Skinned Man and Priscilla the Monkey Girl, who was born with hypertrichosis.
Emmitt and Priscilla fell in love, got hitched, and spent the remainder of their lives in Gibsonton. In actuality, Ward and most of the "freaks" lived in Gibtown their whole lives.
A restaurant and campsite were owned and operated by The Giant and his wife. A fruit business was run by Siamese twins. Backyards were home to large cats, and small people had their own counters at the post office.
Gibtown was among the most inclusive communities in the country in its own unique manner. However, over time, freak shows came to be associated with exploitation and were outlawed in several places.
Through the American Disabilities Act, new employment options for those with handicapping impairments were made possible. While some of the measures that made life easier for the "freaks" were appreciated by Ward, he was never persuaded that banning sideshows was the best course of action.
Ward recalled Louise Capps Hill, a young woman without arms who could operate a tractor, play the guitar, and raise her family on a farm. The woman proved that she could do anything and nothing could stop her.
Gibtown was a representation of a certain freedom: the capacity to do anything, regardless of who the person is. It was a place where "misfits" could feel at home.
Things To Do At Gibsonton
Eat At Showtown Bar And Grill And Feel The Lovely Spirit Of Gibsonton
One of Gibsonton's distinctive attractions is Showtown Bar and Grill because it displays the community's energetic attitude, which visitors eagerly anticipate witnessing. Food and beverages are also excellent.
Almost all visitors to Gibsonton, Florida, want to sample the greatest cuisine the city has to offer. When picking a restaurant to eat at, a comfortable atmosphere and high-quality entertainment options are important considerations. These are all accessible in this bar.
When tourists are here, they may engage in all of their preferred nighttime activities in Gibsonton, including drinking, speaking with friends, and listening to music.
Participate In A Range Of Activities At Gardenville Recreation Center
Tourists visit the Gardenville Recreation Center for some enjoyable activities for the whole family. For a great day, this restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor activities. They have great outdoor facilities for playing softball and basketball, as well as an open area for sunbathing.
Children are invited to use the playground and unwind in the shade of picnic shelters and pavilions.
For extra space for sports, its interior amenities include an indoor gym and fitness centers. Tourists may also visit this location to check what they have to offer as they frequently organize various activities based on the season.