Step Right Up: A Collection of 24 Nostalgic Images Featuring Carnival and Circus Performances

Back in the 1900s, instead of heading to an amusement park for a good time, people would buy a ticket to see a local "freak show" at the carnival. These shows featured unique and unusual performers who were often marginalized and exploited for entertainment. Despite the harsh conditions they faced, many of these performers helped pave the way towards greater acceptance and diversity in the entertainment industry. The vintage pics of carnival and circus acts showcase a time when society's views on entertainment were vastly different from today.