Former Ringling Bros. train car is celebrated with a blessing.

The Showpeople’s Winter Quarters in Seffner, Florida, opened its Community Center last week with a celebration and blessing of the property. Father Jerry Hogan, the National Circus Chaplain, and members of the Circus Ministry performed a blessing on the former Ringling Bros. train car which has been repurposed into a community center for residents at SWQ.

“Thanks to the work of volunteers and the board, the residents who live here now have a space to use for events,” said Father Jerry Hogan prior to the blessing ceremony. “It’s their community center; a space where people can share experiences and enjoy the privilege of having this train car.”

SWQ was formed to offer affordable housing to traveling show personnel who have retired or whose travel has been halted for health or other reasons. The train car was donated in 2017 by Field Entertainment, Inc., parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®. The newly remodeled community center includes an activity space, kitchen, and library.

Financing from Florida Community Loan Fund in 2015 provided necessary capital to purchase the beautiful, heavily-shaded three-acre site and convert it to residence sites with space for 10 households.

Learn more about FCLF and SWQ here.
Learn more about the train car donation here.