Circus McGurkis: The People's Fair is an old-fashioned happening that's taken place at Lakeview Park since 1971. Not much has changed in those 30 years, other than perhaps a broadened scope of social concerns being represented at the event.
The fair takes place at from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, and features an array of folks — artists, craftspeople, dancers, storytellers, jugglers, musicians, community groups, their children — and their creations. The community groups are diverse as well, working to promote environmentalism, peace and human rights, among other causes.
And if all of this sounds too serious, it's not. It's good outdoors, hippie-style fun. There's also a hands-on area for children.
Circus McGurkis is a sponsored project of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Tampa Bay Peace Education Program, groups which carry on their programs as an expression of a belief in the dignity and worth of each person, and in a faith in the power of love and nonviolence to bring about change.
Admission is free and open to the public. For nonprofit groups with items for sale, advance registration costs $20, and $30 for for-profit groups and individuals. Registration the day of the circus costs an additional $5. There will be no refund in the case of bad weather.
Lakeview Park is on the shore of Lake Maggiore, at 20th Street and 28th Avenue South in St. Petersburg. For more information, call 727-327-6726, or visit www.lizardhall.org.
