Carnie Trade Show

Festival Location: Gibsonton, FL, USA

Festival State: Florida Festivals

Festival Type: Bizarre Festivals

By: © Nelson Taylor 2009

G-town, as this historic circus community is often referred to, was the home of the infamous Lobster Boy, who was tried for murdering his daughter's fiance and then was subsequently gunned down by a hit man hired by his daughter and wife, who were all later convicted. News about the murder and the trial can be found in Fred S. Rosen's book Lobster Boy.

It is still home to many freaks, including dwarfs, fat men, bearded ladies, and human pin cushions. Many other circus and carnival folk live here as well, which makes it the perfect home for the Super Trade Show & Extravaganza every February, which is the trade show for circus and carnival communities. While the show is expensive ($50) for the public to enter, a visit to Gibsonton during this annual event just might be your ticket to the strangest show on earth.