BANNER
THE VENICE CIRCUS ARTS FOUNDATION, INC. 
A local 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization
 
The City of Venice may be taking action with proposals submitted to the the City/Airport with regard to use of the Arena site.  Please read airport administrator Chris Rozansky's letter to the Mayor and Council.   This link will take you to the communications between the Airport and our organization/partners.

https://venice.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1847740&GUID=3A10AC2E-3153-4A41-9E26-1FDCA647D15D&Options=&Search=

Please join us at City Hall if you can -  
July 22, 2014 
Time 1:30 pm
As of this writing, we would suggest you check the City's website tomorrow for updates.

If you want to express support for our mission please email the Mayor and Council at:
We appreciate all who participate.   
 
Restoration on the horizon?
 
With high hopes the Venice Circus Arts Foundation has found a potential partner to start the restoration process for a portion of the Arena site.  More to come if approved.


You can and should read our profile with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.  All our financials are present there from our inception.
Thank you! 

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Special Thanks to Jan Hollanbaugh for her efforts in the Giving Challenge.  Our Foundation received $1,140.00 in donation during the 24 hour event.  Thank you to those who donated!





The VCAFI is very happy to be participating in the Sarasota Chalk Festival 2014 in Venice.  It is our hope that this International Cultural Event will become part of our City's cultural fabric, enhancing the many wonderful events our citizens already enjoy.  OUR Special Thanks to the Cultural Campus, (Art Center, Community Center, City Archive, Library).  Venice Main Street, Venice Farmer's Market, and of coarse the Chalk Festival Organizers, we are most happy to partner with you all.

 We ask that YOU become involved in the success of this World Class event also.  Please become a sponsor for this event, or at the very least please volunteer some of your time to make this a most successful new Venice event. 


http://chalkfestival.org/


Circus 2014

The VCAFI is working to secure a City permit to host "Circus" during the
International Chalk Festival in Venice 2014.


We are hoping to find sponsors who will provide FREE admission for deserving local children, (as we have done in the past).  You will be included in our color program passed out during all circus performances duing the Chalk Festival.  Please contact us at [email protected] to provide sponsorship and or to volunteer for our event.  November 10-17 2014.  Thank you!


We are pulling out all the stops to help - Even if it means getting into drag, YIKES!!!

Tickets - www.chalkfestival.org/events

$35.00 - 20 games, includes food
Blanche & Baby Jane Bingo Bonaza

10 Games with CASH prizes ranging from $75 - $250.00
10 Games with Prizes valued at $100 each
50/50 Cash drawings
Balloon dancers - pop a balloon and win the prize inside
Circus performers at intermission
Wackiest Wig Contest - Prizes awarded
Jello Shots, beer and wine available
Disco afterglow with dancing - Cut a rug in drag

Please come in drag.  Dressed as a King or Queen drag- (Men as women, Women as men) -
all in great fun.  We are warned there will be some of the u
 



VCAFI GARAGE SALE August 23, 2014

Accepting salable items every Tuesday evenings 6-7pm
From now through August 22nd.

200 Base Avenue on the Island 
941-485-7675

If you have items that we could pick up please call, Thank you!




    
 

 

 

The VCAFI has worked diligently to bring about the salvation and eventual restoration of the Arena.  Many people have come to our group with energy and anticipation, and very high hopes.  Many have left for various reasons, most often we hear that you can't fight City Hall, or the project is just moving too slowly. 
 

 

We should first and foremost evaluate WHY we should save the Arena?  History is a good reason, but not the main reason.  Economics is really the best reason.  We have something in our City that has been here since 1960.  Nowhere else in our County is a building the size of the Arena.  Having a 4,500 seat facility IS the main reason to save this site.  Even if we have to lose a number of seats in the Arena's current foot print, we will still be far larger than any other Arena in Sarasota County.  If you compare other performing arts facilities locally we have:

 

The Van Wezel at 1,700 seats.  

The Community Center at about 1,000 seats.   

The wonderful new high School facility at 1,000 seats

 

The type of show that will want to use the Arena will never come to Sarasota County without it.  We have been approached by Cirque Du Soile, The promoters of Germain Stadium, Showmasters, Inc. etc.  People who know the value of a large venue and its potential profitability with audiences purchasing event tickets in the 3,000+ capacity.  People who could assist us in bringing profitable World Class entertainment to Venice once more.  We feel an entertainment/conference facility is sorely needed in our County.  We could enhance and fill the void for that type of facility.  Of course the City and the Airport don't want to administer such a big concession, they have their hands full with what they are doing currently.  We believe they are doing a wonderful job!  Look at the progress and improvements our City is undergoing, its amazing.  Our organization feels that the timing is right to have the Arena make a strong comeback.  We can be that venue missing in our local community. 

 

We have tried to get there with Grants and donations, most people don't want their donations to be spend on capital improvements.  Most Grant Foundations are putting money into food, shelter, utilities, eduction, medical assistance, basic necessities, etc.  We have been to all of them.  Gulf Coast Community Foundation awarded us a matching grant of $9,000.00 for a feasibility study to prove our contention that the Arena could make money, even the first year of operation, and it did that.   

The City said our study was useless because we no longer had a building.  We contend that there are many outdoor facilities around the State that make money without "being a building".  Look to the Tampa fairgrounds and a huge new facility in Tallahassee.   It is our understanding that the three basic improvements needed to obtain an occupancy certificate are:

  

  • 1. Roofing
  • 2.  Electrical service
  • 3.  Restroom facilities

 

Now, if the City and Airport approve our proposal we will form an "For Profit" venture selling preferred stock for a stake in the success of this project.   I can't divulge all of the specifics here but would ask you to contact us (941) 485-7675 or better yet [email protected] if you would like more information.  We will have an investment informational kit soon for your review.  

 

It was our hope to host our portion of the International Chalk Festival at the Arena.  We are told the conditons for use of the Arena would include a roof, electricity and restrooms.  Our organization will focus on those items as part of our strategy to move our project forward.



If our letters of intent are approved the Gunther Gebel building will house information about the history of the arena site and a wonderful Circus Miniature Golf attraction.
  We are keeping our fingers crossed!

 
We need your help! 

More than ever our Foundation MUST raise the necessary resources to keep our project on track with the City and Airport!

We offer many ways in which you can participate!  From our "A Foot-at-a-Time" program to our "Circus Walk-of-Fame" project.  PLEASE participate!  If you are a Founding Ring member please consider a second donation.  Every dollar counts and is fully tax deductible.  Set your own amount on our website www.venicecircusarena.com   Thank you!

Save a square foot, (or more)  of the Arena with our 2014 Capital Campaign - " A Foot-at-a-Time" 
$30 individual

$60 family donation
- tax deductible.


Its a win-win for the community!  You will receive a deed for the squares you save.  Your name or the names(s) you choose will be listed on our "Wall-of-Honor" at the restored Arena.
Thank you!

941-485-7675
VCAFI
P.O. BOX 2220
Venice, FL 34284

Could the "Walk-of-Fame" be something moveable and maybe even be represented  somewhere down town?  That is an idea presented to us recently and we are exploring that possibility.















 

 COMING SOON to Honor the careers and the history created here in Venice Florida!

  

THE VENICE CIRCUS WALK-OF-FAME! 

 

Links to help you help us -  


Special Thanks to our supporters!


Leah Sherman - Collectors Gallery & Framery has our t-shirts for sale!

Thanks Leah!!!  Call Us (941) 488-3029





 
 

 Jessie Garner Heiny and her brother Boots Garner

 grew up in Venice when their father Mr. Garner was  

 veterinarian to RBBB.  Jessie and Boots had the     

 arena as their playground and eventually went off to

 college to learn a trade.  They are back now and    

 helping us "Save the historic Venice Circus Arena"  

 I love a story with a happy ending! 

 

   

  

 

  •   
Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Tamiami Trl S and Center Rd
  • (941) 493-5299
  • DowdWhittaker.com
  • Today : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Opens tomorrow at 8:30 am
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Tito Gaona'sFlying Trapeze Academy & Flying Fantasy Circus   

Flying Trapeze Academy & Flying Fantasy Circus

Classes are Open!
 
Wednesday:
5:00pm - 7:00pm

Friday:
5:00pm - 7:00pm

Visit the Classes page to register for a class, as well as for a full list of classes and times.
Come Visit!
Come join us at:
1401 S Ringling Dr
Venice, FL 34285

Classes are up and running and have space available. Visit the classes page to find out more.
Announcements about schedule changes, classes, and other current information will be posted here.
Welcome!   
Don't just see the circus, be the circus!  
Have you ever dreamed of being in the circus? Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of the flying trapeze?
Meet Tito Gaona, owner and founder of the Flying Trapeze Academy and Flying Fantasy Circus. Tito is a member of the Flying Gaonas, a five-generation trapeze and circus performing family that has performed with the Big Apple Circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, and circuses across Europe and South America.

Tito and his experienced staff provide professional instruction in a safe, nurturing environment.
Our Program Offers
Adult & Children's Classes
Professional Instruction
Training in Technique
Skills-Building Approach 
Individual Goal-Setting
A Nurturing Environment
 

The Flying Trapeze
Practice the Basic Swing 
Learn the Beginning Tricks
Progress to Advanced Tricks
Make the "Catch" and Return
Increase your Confidence
Have Fun & Stay in Shape

The Trampoline
Increase Physical Stamina 
Learn Body Positioning 
Increase Spatial Awareness
Work on Somersaults & Twists
The Multiple Trapeze  Increase Flexibility
Improve Muscle Tone 
Increases Memory and Mental Simulation as you learn various routines.

VCAFI Info -

 

 


 

HELP SAVE OUR HISTORY AND THIS VERY SPECIAL PLACE!
"Venice Circus
Walk-of-Fame" 

 

 

We are working to create a wonderful celebration of those careers that were responsible for CIRCUS

 

in Venice Florida 1960-1992.  Performers, managers, support staffers, all crafts included.

 

 

The Venice Circus Walk-of-Fame will consist of pavers with hand prints and signatures of the living legends of  Circus in several categories.   We will ask those able who will be represented to give us a hand print and signature. Those who have passed will also be represented with pavers in block signatures with a photograph.  

 Biographies and photos will also line the walls of the Gunther Gebel-Williams Big Cat training ring building for every one with a paver inside by decades 1960-1990.   

 

Outside walk ways that will eventually connect the Big Cat building to the Arena will include those being honored with a paver and a photograph and biography also reminding you as you walk the "Circus Walk-of-Fame" of those careers and trades that made Circus famous in our community.

 

There will also be a circus supporter's garden for anyone who supports our project to leave their mark as well.

  

Here is a partial list of the movers and shakers that made Venice

Florida famous for  

 

CIRCUS 

Please help us create this proper memorial to their hard work with a contribution.  Thank you!  

 

(Clown College Deans)

 

"Papa" Victor Gaona/Richie Gaona

Bill Ballentine,

Danny Chapman,

Dick Monday

Mel Miller ,

Otto Griebling

Ron Severini,

Steve Smith

 

 

(Performers / Circus Support)

 

 

Aaron Bloom 

Adam Auslander

Adele Lepman

Alex Blatt

Allen J Bloom

Andy Roberts

Anna Griebling

Anthony Chicchino  

Arthur & Antoinette Concello

Arturo Figueroa

Axel & Donna Gautier           

Banks Helfrich

Barbara Collins

Barbara Leimgruber

Barbara Mandrell  

Barbara Nadel

Barbara Pike

Barbie Seal

Barrie Yeilding-Sloan

Barry Lubin  

Barry Phillips

Bello Nock

Ben Vereen

Benny Schultz

Bernard Tibbs

Big Joe Curran

Big Sal

Bill Bradley

Bill Cosby

Bill Irwin  

Bill Pruyn

Bill Witter

Billy Jim Baker

Billy Vaughn

Billy Ward

Birgitta Helge

Bobby Boucher

Bob Dover

Bob MacDougall

Bobby Hunt

Bobby Kay

Brad Bodary

Brad Zupp

Brandalyn Olate

Brenda Rader

Brian Baldini

Brian Goede

Brian Ihnen

Bruce Gutilla

Buckles Woodcock

Caren Hockenberry               

Carlos Ragas

Carolyn Rice

Casey O'Brien

Cha-Cha Morales

Charles Strachan

Charlie Butler

Charlie Bell

Charlotte Kora

Charly Baumann

Chris Shelton

Christopher Hudert

Chuck Burnes

Chuck Sateja

Chuck Sidlow

Claranna Roberts

Clark Berens

Claudia Taylor

Craig Smith

Crandall Diehl

Dago Jack

Dale Longmire

Dan Bedell

Dana Nelson

Danny "Taz" Rogers

Danny Chapman

Danny Perata

David DeDera

David Duby

David Kiser

David Lind

David Moore

David Nicksay

David Strathairn

Debra Borysiuk

Deborah Gilbert  

Denise Wilson

Dennis Stevens

Dick Chipperfild

Dick & Richard Slayton

Dick Monday

Dick Van Dyke

Doc Henderson

Dolly Jacobs

Don Foote                             

Donna Stivers

Doug Boyd

Doug Rougeux

Doug Von Nessen

Dougie Ashton

Duane "Uncle Soap" Thorpe

Dutch Balis

Earl Chaney  

Earl Dakan

Ed Healy

Ed Smith

Eddie Ward

Elvin Bale

Emmett Kelly

Enof Killebrew                    

Eric Braun

Erin Presley-Fromke

Evy Slayton

Felix Adler

Fipps Yelding-Hakes

Frank Kora

Frank Perry

Frank Theriault

Frankie Saluto

Frosty Little                           

Garry Irvingwhite

Garry White

Gary Podolsky

Gene Lewis

George & Mildred Shellenberger

George Rollins

Glen "Kinko" Sudbury

Grant Gilliland

Greg Bissonette

Greg & Karen DeSanto

Greg Harris

Greg Mooney

Gunther Gebel-Williams

Harold Alzana

Harold Ronk

Henry Schroer                       

Huel Speight

Hugo Schmidt

Irvin Feld                               

Israel Feld

Ivan Del Carmen

Jack Ryan

James "Hoppy" Beaver

James Wade

 


 
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