Rain didn’t dampen our parade
George Althoff
Executive Director
A word of advice to those of you who are involved in planning major outdoor events – don’t start looking at the weather forecast too many days in advance. It’ll consume you. Such was the case with the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Big Top Parade on June 8. There I was, two weeks out, already scrutinizing the forecast. Oh oh, looks like rain that day. Nope, supposed to be mid-70s and sunny. Oops, chance of morning showers. Finally, I gave up. What Mother Nature would giveth, we would have to taketh.
And so, we did, when on parade day it did indeed rain for much of the morning before a break at the start of the parade, followed by steady drizzle for the last half of the event. Parade participants and attendees alike got wet, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm and success of yet another Big Top Parade. Attendance was down from the previous year, with an estimated 17,000 people in attendance. But those folks were treated to an hour-long show featuring more than 80 units, including a dozen or so beautifully restored circus wagons from Circus World, dozens of clowns, marching bands and a plethora of entertainers and dignitaries.
A big thank you to all of our sponsors, Circus World, the City of Baraboo and Sauk County for their fantastic support, and the dozens of volunteers for their assistance. Save the date for next year’s parade: Saturday, June 14, 2025. Hope to see you there. And, yes, it is too early to check the extended weather forecast.
Annual golf outing lives up to expectations
A mere 10 days after the Big Top Parade, the BACC hosted its annual golf fundraiser at Baraboo Country Club and the Fore Seasons Restaurant. A record field of 148 golfers hit the links amid warmer-than-normal temperatures, but a steady breeze helped make things tolerable. And, hey, at least it didn’t rain!
As with the parade, dozens of sponsors and scores of other businesses helped make it a success with their generosity. And of course, let’s not forget the many volunteers who gave their time to sell raffle tickets and mulligans, serve as hole-in-one contest witnesses, and run our betting holes. A highlight of the event was our first-ever ball drop in which numbered balls sold to participants were dropped from the Baraboo Fire Department’s ladder truck onto the putting green. One lucky winner whose ball was closest to the hole – MSA’s Gil Hantzsch – won a prize package valued at $575.
A tip of the hat to Chamber staff members Ben Bromley, Kristi Feld and Michele Feld for their tireless efforts to make both the parade and golf outing great successes.
3rd annual Oktoberfest coming up Sept. 21
Planning is under way for our 3rd annual Oktoberfest from 3 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Circus World.
Entertainment will feature Big Griffy Jim and the Polka Dots and headliner The Blue Olives. There’s also be plenty of food and drink vendors and Oktoberfest-themed games. Oktoberfest admission buttons are now on sale at the Chamber office. Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the gate.
