The Circus Ring of Fame is a common sight to anyone that lives in Sarasota, Over 170 bronze plaques honoring performers and contributors to the circus adorn St. Armands Circle and it is always a pleasure to view when walking. It is such an honor to be inducted into it that Elvin Bale, former daredevil that was in the Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus, said that being inducted is like “getting an Oscar and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame combined.”

Then came Hurricane’s Helene and Milton in 2024. Over 60 plaques were damaged from the salt water of the hurricanes and the Circus Ring of Fame had to be restored to bring back the glory of the Circus Ring of Fame. This caused no nominees to be inducted for 2025 as all efforts were put into the restoration of the Ring of Fame.

Here it is in February 2026, and the Circus Ring of Fame has returned and is privileged to have 3 more inductees added and esteemed with this lifetime honor. The following inductees include:

-Elvin Bale (The World’s Greatest Daredevil) – Elvin performed for Pope John Paul II and several U.S. Presidents by performing on such devices as the Wheel of Death and being a Human Cannonball. After an accident that had left him paralyzed in the legs, he has continued to contribute to the circus and has inspired many of performers past and present.

-The Vazquez Family – 2 brothers debuted their small circus in 1969 and over the years had evolved into Circus Vazquez. A still touring circus for over 30 years that performs to sold out crowds all over.

-Franco Dragone – The visioneer who invented a new genre of entertainment by mixing technology and theatre. Out of it became Cirque du Soleil. His creative vision lives on today with Dragone productions all over the world.

Another honor to be celebrated is the Willie Edelston Coach of the Year Award to Master Lu Yi. Master Lu Yi was highly influential in the world of acrobatics and circus arts and had a career over five decades.

The Generation NeXt Award goes to the young talent today that are current stars and the future of circus entertainment to come. They are:

-Veranica Tchalabaeva – An America’s Got Talent semifinalist known as “Veranica and her Pets” She is a Guiness World Record holder and performed at the Florida Strawberry Festival and Wonderland Circus Show in Sarasota locally.

– Sebastion Vidala – A man and his unicycle, or many unicycles. He is very talented unicyclist and performed recently at Nik Wallenda’s Wonderland Believe production here in Sarasota.

– The Coronas Sisters – Fabianna and Arianna Coronas are a contortion and aerial duo whose talents put them as up and coming stars in the circus today. They are currently performing with Circus Hollywood at the Florida State Fair and I highly recommend you see this act.

The 2026 Circus Ring of Fame awards ceremony is Saturday Feb 7th at 4:30pm in Nathan Benderson Park at the Circus Sarasota Big Top. Tickets are available at eventbrite. Also be treated to performances from the Generation NeXt Award winners Veranica Tchalabaeva, Sebastion Vidals, and The Coronas Sisters.

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to follow me on instagram or twitter for live updates or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions or concerns. The press conference on the Circus Ring of Fame was by invitation of the Circus Ring of Fame and Melinda Hartline of Hartline Communications. Pictures and videos were taken with permission from the Circus Ring of Fame.