- December 21, 2024
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Circus Arts Conservatory presented its annual gala fundraising event Feb. 2 under the brand new big top located at Nathan Benderson Park. A Royal Gala deserves a royal big top, and the new tent did not disappoint. At 55 feet tall with a diameter of 139 feet the venue seats 1,645 guests.
Most of the 350 guests took advantage of an invitation to dress in theme, and many donned colorful costumes that celebrated the Royal Gala. Michael's On East provided the Royal Feast, and the dessert platters drew the center of attention with overflowing circus themed confections.
CAC co-founders Dolly Jacobs and Pedro Reis gave a welcome address from the circus ring and guests were entertained with professional acts as well as student performers who train at Sarasota's famous Sailor Circus Academy. Funds from the event provide support to the CAC's mission, as well as continuing educational outreach.
Gala chairs were Julie A. Harris and Lauren Walsh, who greeted both guests and volunteers with enthusiasm and sincere gratitude, and they kept with the gala tradition by inviting everyone to join them in the circus ring for live music and dancing after dinner.
Dolly Jacobs summed the evening up best with her sentiments of "viva le cirque!"