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I was born in Tampa and spent my early childhood years in Gibsonton, known as "Gib-town" to the locals. Back then, it was the winter home of the carnival workers. A bearded lady was one of our neighbors, and the post office had a section of the counter lowered for midgets. The fire chief appeared in carnivals as "the Giant" and owned the Giant Fishing Camp.

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In return for their contribution to the local economy, residents of Hillsborough County were granted permission to keep carnival trailers, rides and animals in their gardens. Gibtown became a sanctuary, and the stigma associated with the trade was convenient as well: outsiders stayed away thanks to rumors about “carnies” stealing children. The world’s showtown capital remained a well-kept secret, purposely never a tourist destination.