Starting in the late 1930s, Gibsonton became the place they called home when not traveling with the carnival and by 1967, about 100 freaky folk and about 1,000 "carnies" lived there.

Gibsonton, sometimes nicknamed Gibtown, is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. U.S. Route 41 runs through the center of the community.

Apr 4, 2013 · The term carnie conjures up the image of a redneck with a Marlboro hanging from his lip, while he runs the milk-bottle game. It’s a caricature of these people who...

Mar 2, 2008 · GIBSONTON, Fla. - In the carnival capital of the world, a clown rides to Wal-Mart on his tricycle. Ferris wheels rise out of back yards. Cotton candy booths line the streets.

Dec 16, 2024 · Thousands of carnival workers and carnies once made their home in Gibsonton. As sideshows went out of fashion, Gibsonton shifted from an unofficial company town to an ordinary Florida community. However, some traces of the town's fascinating history remain.

Sep 8, 2021 · However, in 1992, Gibsonton’s reputation took a downward turn when a prominent sideshow act known as the Lobster Boy was murdered. Grady Stiles was a sideshow performer who dealt with ectrodactyly, a condition that fused fingers to give his hands a …

Jul 9, 2024 · Just a 20-minute drive from Tampa, Gibsonton is one of the strangest and most fascinating towns in America. Let's take a peek at life inside this one-of-a-kind community with some facts about Gibsonton Florida, its history, and the people who call it home.

Oct 9, 2014 · In Gibsonton, you can keep show animals, amusement rides, and carnival exhibits in your front yard. This of course, drew even more sideshow performers, including acrobats, contortionists, and carnival operators to the area.

Mar 30, 2015 · Gibsonton (also called Gibtown) has always been the winter home of the carnies. It’s on the far west side of Tampa Bay, maybe 45 minutes from Sarasota, and has the appearance of a decrepit,...

Gibsonton, or Gibtown to those in the know, has made its claim to fame as Showtown, USA. In the Golden days of the Carnival Gibsonton was where the performers went in the winter. It was a town where circus freaks and carnies could reside without feeling out of place.