Big Top Parade a b-day party for USA
Baraboo will host a birthday party for the U.S.A. when the Big Top Parade celebrates America’s 250th year June 13.
Local veterans will lead the parade as Grand Marshals.
“Our parade is a patriotic spectacle every year, but we’re taking it up a notch for 2026,” said Nanci Jenks, co-chair of the Big Top Parade Committee. “We couldn’t be happier to honor local veterans for their service to our country.”
More than 75 parade entries – from marching bands to clowns to community floats – will delight thousands of spectators along the streets of downtown Baraboo. Like Circus World’s big top show, the parade’s theme is “Jubilee.”
The parade will step off at 11 a.m., anchoring a weekend full of circus-themed fun. Festivities begin with the Thursday, June 11 installment of Concerts on the Square, which will feature Professor Stich’s Original Circus Band. The Al. Ringling Theatre will present Charlie Chaplin’s “The Circus” with organ accompaniment Friday night and “The Greatest Showman” singalong Saturday night.
Earlier 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. That’s when Circus World’s collection of antique wagons will take to the streets. The Ringling Brothers Bell Wagon, named last year’s Best Overall Entry in its return after a decade-long absence from the parade, will be a star attraction once again.
“We love showcasing Circus World’s unparalleled wagon collection 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. “Once again we’ll hear the bells of freedom ring downtown,” Althoff said.
After the parade, Circus World will present its big top show at 1:15 and 3:30 p.m.
Watch for updates on the parade and related events at bigtopparade.com.
Tom Williams photos
