Big Top Parade celebrates Flag Day
Set for Flag Day, Baraboo’s Big Top Parade will be a star-spangled celebration on June 14.
Nearly 90 parade entries – from marching bands to clowns to community floats – will delight thousands of spectators along the streets of downtown Baraboo.
“We wanted to follow the theme of Circus World’s 2025 big top show, which is ‘Holidays!’” said Nanci Jenks, co-chair of the Big Top Parade Committee. “Because our parade date coincides with Flag Day, we decided to celebrate America.”
The parade will step off at 11 a.m., anchoring a weekend full of circus-themed fun. Festivities begin with the June 12 installment of Concerts on the Square, which will feature Professor Stich’s Original Circus Band. The next night, the Al. Ringling Theatre will present the Charlie Chaplin film “The Circus,” accompanied by the Barton organ.
On parade day, Forward! Marching Band, the UW Alumni Band and the Wild Rumpus Circus will entertain the crowd before the parade steps off at 11 a.m. Former Circus World Executive Director Scott O’Donnell will lead the parade as grand marshal. This year’s parade will be highlighted by the return of the Ringling Brothers Bell Wagon.
“We love showcasing Circus World’s unparalleled collection of antique wagons in the parade,” said George Althoff, Executive Director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce. His organization works with the Big Top Parade Committee to present this unique event. “We can’t wait to hear the bells ring through the streets of Baraboo again,” Althoff said.
After the parade, all are encouraged to visit Circus World and see the “Holidays!” show at 1:15 and 3:30 p.m. At 7 p.m. Saturday, the Ringling Theatre will present the 2003 film “Big Fish,” which featured O’Donnell and his circus. O’Donnell will lead a discussion session after the movie. Downtown Baraboo Inc. is getting into the act, hosting a “Tour of Wagons,” with 16 participating businesses showcasing local artists’ paintings on canvas.
Watch for updates on the parade and related events at bigtopparade.com.
