Another phenomenal parade in the books

George Althoff
Executive Director

The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Big Top Parade on June 13 was another rousing success. Blessed with perfect weather conditions, the parade came off without a hitch (actually, there were a lot of hitches, but they were all attached to the dozens of horses pulling circus wagons).
Like last year, an estimated 25,000 parade lovers lined the streets of downtown Baraboo to celebrate the city’s rich circus tradition that began in 1884 when the five Ringling Brothers launched their dream. The parade was 75 units strong, featuring beautifully restored circus wagons, horse teams, marching bands, clowns, community floats and more.
Hundreds of hours of planning by the Chamber’s Big Top Parade Committee, Circus World, the City of Baraboo police, fire/EMS and public works departments, Sauk County, and area law enforcement made it all possible. A special thank you to Circus World Executive Director Scott O’Donnell and his team, and parade committee co-chairs Nanci Jenks and Doug Hill.
The parade was made possible by the financial support of more than 30 area businesses that deserve mention: Presenting sponsor Baraboo State Bank, 99.7 MAX-FM, Magnum Media, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells, Terrytown Plumbing, Pizza Ranch, Fairfield Inn & Suites Baraboo, Cell.Plus – U.S. Cellular, Topham Family Foundation, Don Larson GMC Supercenter, Bank of Wisconsin Dells, WCCU Credit Union, Teel Plastics, Andersen Windows & Doors, SSM Health/St. Clare Hospital, Wegner CPAs, International Crane Foundation, Dental Associates, Supreme Awards, MBE CPAs, Bachrodt Baraboo Motors, DEZ Tactical Arms, TRICOR Insurance, Seneca Foods, Prevail Bank, Wisconsin River Title, Community First Bank, Synergy Metalworks, Hill’s Wiring and Geri Pettersen Berkshire Hathaway.
And to the dozens of volunteers who assisted, we could not have done it without you. Thank you.

The time has come for me to bid farewell

In October, I will celebrate my 5th anniversary as Executive Director of the Chamber. It’s been an extremely gratifying – and quick – five years. While I thoroughly enjoy this job, I have come to realization that it’s time to transition into retirement by the end of the year, a decision I announced to our Board of Directors at their June 22 meeting.
I will work with the board to facilitate the search for a new Executive Director and provide for a smooth transition. After more than six decades in the workforce (hey, I started young!), I am looking forward to spending more time with my wife Cathy and enjoying life. Thank you all for your support over the past half decade. Onward.