Big Top Parade blasts off June 8
Circus entertainment’s universal appeal will be on display Saturday, June 8 as the Big Top Parade returns to the streets of downtown Baraboo.
Historic wagons, marching bands, animals and community floats will delight children of all ages along the parade route. Each entry will observe the parade’s “Blast Off” theme, which also is the theme of Circus World’s 2024 big top show.
“This year’s parade will be out of this world,” said Nanci Caflisch, co-chair of the Big Top Parade organizing committee. “Here in the Ringling Brothers’ hometown, we love celebrating our legacy every summer.”
The parade will step off at 11 a.m. June 8, anchoring a weekend full of circus-themed fun.
“It’s a thrill to showcase Circus World’s unparalleled collection of wagons in our parade,” said George Althoff, Executive Director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce. “I can’t wait to see the far-out floats our sponsors and community groups add to our galaxy of stars.”
The weekend-long circus celebration will start Thursday evening, with a circus-themed installment of Concerts on the Square in downtown Baraboo. On Saturday morning, marching bands and the Wild Rumpus Circus for kids will entertain the crowd downtown before the parade begins. After the parade, all are encouraged to visit Circus World and see the “Blast Off” big top show at 1:15 and 3:30 p.m.
“We are over the moon, we’re so excited about this summer’s show,” said Scott O’Donnell, Executive Director of Circus World. “We are ready for liftoff in celebration of our 65th anniversary!”
Watch for updates on this summer’s parade and related events at bigtopparade.com.
Tom Williams photos
