Circus McGurkis celebrates 40 years of “peoples' fairs” this year with its popular annual gathering in St. Petersburg. Organizers describe Circus McGurkis as a “Peace Education Celebration” in a festive community gathering of those committed to creating and sustaining peace and social justice within themselves, the community and around the world.
This year's celebration is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Lake Vista Park, 1401 62nd Avenue South. Circus McGurkis is a free family-friendly, LGBT-friendly and pet-friendly event.
“The turbulent political, social and economic issues affecting our society today are reminiscent of the atmosphere of the 1970's from which Circus McGurkis was founded,” said Gary Crosby, the chair of this year's event. “The event's reflection of the Quaker testimonies has stood the test of time. These qualities have resonated with participants and their children for generations. Circus McGurkis remains a forum for the gathering of the community to explore, share and celebrate the real possibilities of peace and social justice.”
Combining frivolity and fun with the message of peace, Circus McGurkis has steadily grown in popularity over the years. Costumes, spontaneous musical interludes, performance art and a strong sense of unstructured whimsy are balanced with scheduled presentations on such topics as permaculture, beekeeping, urban gardening, Food Not Bombs, climate change, and even a workshop by Earth First! on tree-climbing techniques to occupy forests threatened by clear-cutting.
Members of Occupy Tampa and Occupy St. Pete will be present. Live music, children's activities, storytelling, a drum circle, and other entertainment are scheduled throughout the day. Additionally, organizers expect more than 150 vendors to participate, offering hand-made art and crafts, a wide variety of foods, and information from non-profit groups.
Circus McGurkis was founded in 1971 by members of the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, during an era of frequent anti-war protests, as well as progressive social activism in environmental justice, equal rights for women, and “gay liberation.” The event is meant to create a community space in which the “Five Quaker Testimonies” are reflected. The five testimonies, also referred to by the acronym SPICE, are: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, and Equality. The St. Petersburg Friends are an “open and affirming” congregation, have a history of defending LGBT rights, and perform marriages for same-gender and mixed-gender couples, using the same 350-year old ceremony for all.
From its inception, Circus McGurkis has welcomed and included members of the LGBT community in organizing and participating. Founder Christine O'Brien herself was an openly bisexual woman and chaired the event for more than two decades.
A 40th birthday celebration for Circus McGurkis is planned for noon on Oct. 29, complete with a birthday cake. Costumes are a frequent sight each year, and especially it falls so close to Halloween. Rain or shine, participants are encouraged to dress up.
Vendor spaces are still available, including free spaces for non-profit groups. Only hand-made items are permitted for vendors with goods for sale. Vendors are encouraged to pre-register. For more information, go to CircusMcgurkis.com or call 727-8598.
