Celebrity judges selected for Big Top Parade

Three celebrity judges will face the challenging task of choosing the top entries in Baraboo’s Big Top Parade on June 8. Miss Wisconsin’s Teen Trinity Horstman, NBC-15 anchor Gabriella Rusk and Ho-Chunk Nation Legislator Rep. Kristin K. White Eagle will lead the parade before being dropped off at the judges’ stand for their official duties.

“We’re thrilled to have such stars participating in our space-themed parade,” said Nanci Jenks, chair of the Big Top Parade organizing committee. “With dozens of entries featuring historic wagons, brass bands, clowns and community groups, our judges always have their work cut out for them.”

The parade through the streets of downtown Baraboo will be the centerpiece of a weekend full of circus-themed fun in the community.

Evaluating each entry will be Horstman, a Holmen native and stage performer who won Miss Wisconsin’s Teen last summer; Rusk, anchor of “The Morning Show” for NBC’s Madison affiliate; and White Eagle, who serves in the Ho-Chunk Legislature and on the Sauk County Historical Society’s board of directors. The judges will choose the parade’s top overall entry, as well as the best commercial and nonprofit entries.

Upwards of 75 entries are expected to enter the parade, which will step off at 11 a.m. June 8. This year’s parade will share the “Blast Off” theme adopted for this summer’s big top show at Circus World. All in the parade – including the judges – will be encouraged to sport space-age costumes.

“We’re planning a weekend that’s out of this world,” said George Althoff, Executive Director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce. “We couldn’t do it without volunteers. We’re much obliged to this year’s celebrity judges and all the helpers who make the parade possible.”

Watch for updates on the parade and related events at bigtopparade.com.