January 17, 2004 saw the 17th annual Circus Ring of Fame induction on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida. Four circus greats were honored at the 2:00 PM program:
Arthur M. Concello
Arthur, Alexander and Dorita Konyot
Galla Shaw
Charlie Smith
After a spectacular presentation of traditional circus music was performed by the Sarasota Circus Concert Band. Ring of Fame member Jackie LeClair served as the MC of the event. Sarasota Mayor Palmer opened the program by stating the importance of the circus to Sarasota, and her hope that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey would return to winter quarter when the new Robarts Arena is constructed.
Jackie LeClair Mayor Lou Ann Palmer
Jackie LeClair introduced Dorita Estes who spoke on behalf of the sponsores of the first inductee, Arthur M Concello.
Dorita Estes
“He [Arthur Concello] was one of circusdom’s most dominant and important figures of the mid-twentieth century. As General Manager and Executive Director, he helped lead Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey through some of its most difficult years, including the transition of the tented giant to an indoor show. His innovative methods and unique inventions revolutionized forever the ways Ringling and other traveling circuses transported and erected their shows.” Sponsors: Wife Margaret, and the Concello Family.
Tina Cristiani Veder was the next speaker on behalf of the sponsors of Arthur, Alexander and Dorita Konyot.
Tina Cristiani Veder
“They [Arthur, Alexander and Dorita Konyot] were one of Europe’s top equestrian groups in 1940 when Arthur and his family fled to the US to join the Greatest Show on Earth, as Masters of Dressage. They thrilled American circus audiences and helped popularize dressage in America. On retiring as a performer and helped popularize dressage in America. On retiring as a performer, Arthur taught dressage and trained Arthur Godfrey’s show horses. Alexander became one of the country’s most sought after dressage and jumper trainers. Dorita taught on the dressage circuit and trained showhorses, including a national grand champion.” Sponsors: The Gill Familu, Kathy Von Ertfelda, Ann Canstrelli-Cristiani
Speaking for the sponsors of Galla “Tiny” was Louis Cutton, Jr.
Louis Cutton, Jr.
“[Galla Shawn] A sensational aerialist who was famous for balancing on her head on a swinging trapeze and climaxing her act with a headstand on a second spinning trapeze. Whe was a center ring star on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and on many other US and European shows. Strikingly beautiful, she appeared in two Hollywood films and on many T.V. programs. In 1975 she was awarded the Circus Oscar in Madrid and the Lady of the Trapeze in Paris.” Sponsors: Louis A. Cuttin, Sr., Louis A. Cuttin, Jr., Mark A. Cuttin
Finally, speaking for the sponsors of Charlie Smith was Tim Holan, John Herriot, Tom Dillon and Peggy Williams
Charlie Smith
“[Charlie Smith] In a remarkable 60-year career, he served stints as a performer, musician, Pie Car operator, boss canvasman, transportation superintendent and as Trainmaster of one of the twentieth century’s greatest traveling circuses. For 16 years he directed the complex movements of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey mile-long train over more than 300,000 miles without the show missing a single performance.” Sponsors: Tom Dillon, Tim Holan, Peggy Williams
