Big Top Parade

Laura McArthur Photography
A past Big Top Parade in Baraboo.
media release: The Big Top Parade will return to the streets of downtown Baraboo on Saturday, June 25, 2022 for the first time since 2019. Historic wagons, exotic animals, marching bands and community floats will delight paradegoers, highlighting a weekend full of circus-themed fun. “We could not be happier to bring back the parade,” said Nanci Caflisch, co-chair of the Big Top Parade and Circus Celebration organizing committee. “This one will be extra special.” The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the parade in 2020. Last year, the committee put on a community-wide Circus Celebration weekend in July, minus the parade.
This summer the parade returns, moving to June to avoid conflicting with the Sauk County Fair, traditionally held in early July. Live entertainment will delight circus fans downtown before and after the 11 a.m. parade. In fact, the circus-themed entertainment will begin Thursday, June 23, when Professor Stich’s Original Circus Band performs on the courthouse lawn as part of the Concerts on the Square series.
“The parade and its related events are cherished annual traditions, ones we’re pleased to see returning this year,” said George Althoff, Executive Director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber works with the Big Top Parade committee and Circus World staff in presenting the parade.
This year’s Big Top Parade and Circus Celebration will take on the pirate theme Circus World has adopted for its 2022 performance season. “Arrrrrrr ye ready for a stupendous Big Top show and parade?” asked Scott O’Donnell, Executive Director of Circus World. “You could sail the seven seas and not find finer family entertainment.” Watch for updates here.