O’Donnell to lead Big Top Parade

After more than a decade helping to organize the Big Top Parade as executive director of Circus World, Scott O’Donnell will lead this year’s event as grand marshal.

Last fall O’Donnell finished his second stint at Circus World, a state historic site located on the Ringling Brothers’ original winter quarters in Baraboo. Working with the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce and a parade committee, O’Donnell helped recruit entries and set the parade order since his return in 2013. On June 14, he’ll ride in the parade as grand marshal.

“After all these years setting up the parade, it’ll be great to see Scott get a chance to enjoy the ride,” said Nanci Jenks, co-chair of the parade committee.

Each summer the Ringling Brothers’ hometown celebrates its circus heritage with an old-fashioned parade through the streets of downtown Baraboo. Upwards of 75 entries – from historic Circus World wagons to marching bands to community floats – are expected. Set for Flag Day, this year’s parade will adopt a patriotic theme.

“The American circus has celebrated patriotism since its inception,” O’Donnell said. “For more than a century, circus parades have draped themselves in red, white and blue.”

O’Donnell first came to Circus World as operations manager in 2003. He went on to become vice president and general manager of The Big Apple Circus. After a stint with concert giant Live Nation, O’Donnell returned to lead Circus World in 2013.

“It couldn’t be more fitting to honor Scott’s years of service to Circus World and to our parade by naming him grand marshal,” said George Althoff, executive director of the Chamber.

The parade will step off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, highlighting a weekend full of circus-themed fun in Baraboo. That night, the Al. Ringling Theatre will screen the 2003 Tim Burton film “Big Fish,” which featured O’Donnell’s circus. O’Donnell will lead a talkback session after the movie.

The circus weekend will begin Thursday, June 12 when Professor Stich’s Original Circus Band performs at Concerts on the Square. It continues the next night as the theatre presents Charlie Chaplin’s 1928 feature “The Circus,” accompanied by the mighty Barton organ.

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