Celebrity judges named for Big Top Parade

An all-star panel of celebrity judges will preside over Baraboo’s Big Top Parade on June 14. Miss Wisconsin Mandi Genord, Wisconsin Historical Society President and CEO Christian Overland and “Discover Wisconsin” host Lindsey Hayes will lead the parade before being dropped off at the judges’ stand to choose the top entries.

“We’re honored to have such esteemed statewide celebrities participate in our parade,” said Nanci Jenks, chair of the Big Top Parade organizing committee. “With dozens of entries from Circus World wagons to marching bands to community floats, our judges always face a tough task.”

The parade through the streets of downtown Baraboo will be the centerpiece of a weekend full of circus-themed fun in the Ringling Brothers’ hometown.

Evaluating each entry will be Genord, a Beaver Dam native who is ending her reign as Miss Wisconsin; Overland, who oversees Wisconsin historic sites like Circus World and serves on the Governor’s Council on Tourism; and Hayes, a Regional Emmy Award-winning TV host and producer who grew up in Sauk County.

The judges will choose the parade’s top overall entry, as well as the best commercial and nonprofit entries. Upwards of 75 entries are expected to enter the parade, which will step off at 11 a.m. June 14. Held on Flag Day, this year’s Big Top Parade is adopting a patriotic theme.

“This will be a star-spangled celebration,” said George Althoff, Executive Director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage everyone – from parade entries to our celebrity judges to spectators along the parade route – to wear red, white and blue.”

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