SARASOTA MAYOR SUZANNE ATWELL TO DESIGNATE SEPTEMBER 24
AS “DAY TO CELEBRATE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING”
Sarasota, FL — Sept. 16, 2011 — Mayor Suzanne Atwell will be on hand at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 24, 2011 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of John and Mable Ringling’s legacy and vision in Sarasota in honor of the Ringlings purchasing property in Sarasota. One hundred years ago, John Ringling, the circus king, financier and art collector, and his wife Mable, founder of The Sarasota Garden Club, laid down roots in Sarasota. The proclamation ceremony will take place at the Bolger Campiello at the Ca’ d’Zan on the grounds of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The public is invited to attend.
In 1911, John and Mable Ringling purchased Palms Elysian, a wood frame house located on the Shell Beach subdivision on what are today the grounds of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The venture proved a huge catalyst for Sarasota and the State of Florida. Their legacy and vision continues to endure and grow, reflected and preserved around the city and county of Sarasota, as well as in the galleries, grounds, gardens of the museum.
In keeping with John Ringling’s realized vision of Sarasota as a top destination, his circus roots and tradition of giving back to the community, the museum has a special commemoration planned today to honor John and Mable Ringling. Complimentary admission to all venues, grounds and gardens will be extended to all visitors on September 24, which also marks Smithsonian National Museum Day.
Also on this commemorative day, the museum is previewing a new $7.5 million addition to the Ringling Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center. Home to the largest miniature circus in the world, the Ringling Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center has grown more colossal thanks to the generosity of Howard Tibbals, philanthropist and circus model builder who is the architect of the miniature circus. Building on Sarasota’s circus heritage and moniker as Circus City USA, children of all ages can step right up to the Ringling Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center and its new 11,000 square foot addition. This interactive exhibition space provides a snapshot of the atmosphere, drama, energy and excitement of a day at the circus. It celebrates the legendary performers of the big top, including the acrobats, aerialists and daredevils, many of whom made Sarasota and its neighboring cities home.
This is the first of many important milestones and anniversaries in the years ahead associated with the Ringlings. Centennial celebrations will continue through the 2011/12 season at the museum. Details are posted at www.ringling.org. The community is also invited to share news of their Ringling 100th anniversary events, which the museum will post on its website. The legacy and vision of the Ringlings can be experienced 362 days a year at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.