Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Ursula Boettcher and Alaska
Circus Ring Of Fame
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020
1. Ursula Boettcher and Alaska Marker
Ursula is remembered and revered for her incredible, stunning performances with a ring full of the world’s most magnificent animals, polar bears. Her diminutive size at 5’1”, paired with the enormity of these gigantic creatures, thrilled circus audiences starting in the 1960s. Performing in the German Democratic Republic, at her peak, she commanded fourteen polar bears and four Kodiaks. This sensational act was seen in the U.S. with Ringling Brothers from 1976 thru 1981 on the traveling shows and RBBB Circus World Park in Florida. After returning to Europe, she headlined several circuses and in 1983 received the Nice-Matin Prize at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival. Her favorite companion in the ring was Alaska, who towered over her, and provided the famous “Kiss” prior to exiting at the end of each performance. The Circus Ring Of Fame proudly recognizes signature animal specimens in circus history.
Erected 2018 by Marketing and Sales Executives of The Greatest Show On Earth and the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1976.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Fredonias (here, next to this marker); Charles Robert Sidlow (here, next to this marker); The Hernandez Family (here, next to this marker); Carla Wallenda (here, next to this marker); The Flying Espanas (here, next to this marker); Cedric Walker (here, next to this marker); Todos Acrobatic Troupe/Palace Duo Aerial Act (here, next to this marker); Reggie Armor (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sarasota.
More about this marker. The "Circus Ring Of Fame” recognizes those persons who made a significant contribution to the art and culture of the circus. With dozens of inductees from around the world. The Ring Of Fame began in 1986 as a way to honor world famous circus performers and the rich circus heritage of the Sarasota, Florida area.
Also see . . . Circus Ring of Fame Foundation. (Submitted on March 24, 2020.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020
2. Ursula Boettcher and Alaska Marker
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 27, 2020
3. Sectional view which includes the Ursula Boettcher and Alaska Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 23, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
