Ep 16. Gibsonton: The Last Side Show

In the small town of Gibsonton, Florida, something strange is happening. The town, known colloquially as "Showtown" or "Freaktown," has been home to circus performers and sideshow attractions for decades. But as the town's once-thriving sideshow industry dwindles, so does the town's economic stability.

City Confidential's 16th episode, titled "Gibsonton: The Last Side Show," explores this fascinating and little-known subculture through the lens of one community. Through interviews with former and current residents, sideshow performers, and local officials, the show examines the highs and lows of this uniquely American phenomenon.

The episode begins by tracing the history of Gibsonton, which was founded in the 1930s as a winter refuge for carnival workers. Its mild climate and cheap real estate attracted performers from across the country, who saw Gibsonton as a place where they could rest and recharge during the off-season. Over the years, the town grew to become a hub of the sideshow industry, with its own dedicated carnival showground, the famed "Gibtown" Fair.

But as the industry has declined, so has the town's fortunes. With fewer performers choosing to live in Gibsonton year-round, local businesses have suffered. The show explores how residents have tried to adapt to this changing landscape, from establishing new attractions to embracing tourism to attracting retirees.

At the heart of the episode are the stories of some of Gibsonton's most famous residents, including legendary sideshow performers like Grady Stiles Jr., known as the "Lobster Boy," and Percilla the Monkey Girl. Through archival footage and interviews with family members and colleagues, the show brings these larger-than-life characters to life, offering a glimpse into their daily routines and struggles.

The show also touches on the darker side of the sideshow industry, including issues of exploitation and abuse of performers. Through interviews with performers, activists, and historians, City Confidential explores the complex relationships between sideshow performers and their handlers, and sheds light on how these relationships have evolved over time.

Overall, "Gibsonton: The Last Side Show" is a fascinating look at an often-overlooked subculture, as well as a poignant meditation on the rise and fall of a once-thriving community. Whether you're a fan of sideshow performers or just curious about the ways in which people make their homes in unique niches, this episode is not to be missed.