formation in 1913, the SLA secured Showmen’s Rest to be a burial place for the diverse and interesting people who make up our industry. Buried there are entertainers, stunt drivers, carnival owners and workers, magicians and more. When the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Train Wreck occurred in 1918, kill- ing 86 entertainers and staff, the SLA stepped forward to put dozens of them to rest. Many of those graves are marked as “unidentified”, while other stones are marked only by nick- name. While the site commemorates a great tragedy in the early history of our industry, the atmosphere of Showmen’s Rest isn’t somber. Large SLA elephant statues, and little ce- ramic clowns that visitors have left as offerings, remind us that the people interred there were providers of entertainment
and joy — showpeople. It’s an honorable final resting place. Any past member of the Showmen’s League of America
may be interred there. There are burial fees associated with Woodlawn Cemetery. The SLA also recoups some of the cost of the plot, at a fraction of the market rate. SLA charges $1200 per plot for members past and present, or $750 for Board members and 25-year members. There are also cremation niches available at a lower cost. Similar plots at Woodlawn Cemetery cost $4700. If a member of the league is indigent at the time of their passing, the SLA’s mission is to provide for the burial. Become a member today! Join us in our fraternity, and help us carry out our good works and preserve our history!
Linda Frisco NICA Staff Member
It is with heavy hearts that we an-
nounce the passing of our beloved friend and colleague, Linda Frisco, wholeftuspeacefullyinthe ear- ly morning hours of June 17th after a long-fought battle with cancer. Surrounded in spirit by the love of so many, Linda faced her final moments with the same grace, courage, and deep inner strength that defined her. “Together We Can!” was more than a motto to Linda — it was the way she lived her life. Linda grew up in the Mobile Entertainment Industry, where
she was known not only for her dedication but also for her adventurous spirit. She and her family exhibited animals, including tigers and elephants, creating memorable experi- ences for countless audiences over the years. This unique background gave Linda a deep understanding of the people and values that shape our Industry. In 2017, Linda joined the NICA Family as Office Manager,
quickly becoming an essentialpartofNICA’s“Dream Team.” From day one, she worked tirelessly to improve of- fice workflow and communication, making the NICA Office the strong, friendly, and efficient hub it is today. Linda was truly the backbone of our operations, helping our events, programs, and membership services run smoothly. Whether answering member questions, managing proj- ects, or coordinating behind-the-scenes details, Linda brought professionalism, creativity, and a personal touch to everything she did.
Even while quietly enduring a long
battle with cancer, Linda remained steadfast in her commitment to NICA and to each of us. She brought warmth, thoughtfulness, and optimism to her work every day. Her sense of humor, high standards, and ability to make oth- ers feel seen and supported were gifts we were lucky to receive. Linda held a special place in her heart
for the NICA Scholarship Program, one of her favorite initiatives. Fittingly, on the day of her passing, the 2025 schol- arship applications were mailed out for
review — a fitting tribute to her legacy of service and support for future generations. A staple of Linda’s service to NICA was always saying “Thank you!” In fact, that was one of her last actions as a member of the staff. Her family extends their deepest thanks for the many kind
messages, donations, and gestures of support received over the past year and going forward. That outpouring of love re- minded Linda how deeply she was cherished and helped lift the weight from her shoulders during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life will be held this Fall, with details to be
shared at a later date. If you have any memories, stories, or photos you’d like to share, Linda’s sister will put them in a book for her daughter, Felicia, and her family and friends. We invite you to send them to us at As we reflect on a year marked by significant loss in the
NICA Family, we hold close the lasting impact of Linda’s kind- ness, resilience, and dedication. May we continue to honor her by bringing her values into the work we do and the lives we touch. “Together We Can!”
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