A few episodes ago, I promised we’d dive into the world of Side Show Gaffs — and today, we’re finally making good on that. It’s the perfect starting point, because many of the hoaxes and oddities we’ll explore later all trace their roots back here.A "gaff," in sideshow terminology, is a clever trick, illusion, or prop used to create an amazing attraction that isn't entirely real. It's not meant to be a malicious fraud but rather a theatrical enhancement for entertainment.

Memorial Day 1893 in Tyrone, PA, isn’t just a day of remembrance for armed service members who gave their lives. It is also a day that will forever be linked to the Walter L. Main Circus and the terrible accident that sent a train full of performers and animals hurling into the mountainside near the quaint town.

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"The Unscheduled Stop" By Paula Zitzler, Susie O'Brien · 2008

Before bright lights, TV deals, and packed arenas, wrestling found its footing in traveling carnivals. In this episode, we dive into the gritty, colorful world of carnival wrestling—where it all began. We’ll trace the early days of grapplers who took on all comers, highlight the men and women whose influence still shapes the sport, and spotlight a few groundbreaking promoters who turned sideshow bouts into the foundation of modern professional wrestling.