Big Top Parade
& Circus Celebration
June 24, 2023
Downtown Baraboo
The Big Top Parade will return to the streets of downtown Baraboo on Saturday, June 24, 2023, highlighted one last time by Circus World’s elephants.
The parade will step off at 11 a.m. June 24, anchoring a weekend full of circus-themed fun in the Ringling Brothers’ hometown. Historic wagons, exotic animals, marching bands and community floats will follow the grand marshals. All will observe the parade’s “Go West” theme, which also is the theme of Circus World’s 2023 big top show.
“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 floats our sponsors and community groups add to the fun.”
The weekend-long circus celebration will start Thursday evening, when Professor Stich’s Original Circus Band performs at Concerts on the Square. The Al. Ringling Theatre will present entertainment throughout the weekend. On Saturday morning, acrobats, aerialists and clowns will entertain the crowd downtown before the parade begins.
After the parade, all are encouraged to visit Circus World and see the “Go West” big top show at 1:15 and 3:30 p.m.
Parade Grand Marshal
The elephants have been named the parade’s grand marshals in honor of their retirement after the 2023 season.
“Circus World’s elephants are fan favorites every year,” said Nanci Caflisch, co-chair of the Big Top Parade organizing committee. “We want to savor their last appearance in the parade and celebrate their considerable contribution to our event.”
“This will be one rootin,’ tootin’ weekend,” said Scott O’Donnell, Executive Director of Circus World. “Help us ‘Go West’ and wish ‘Happy Trails’ to our beloved elephants … ‘til we meet again.”
After the summer performance season, Circus World’s elephants will retire to an elephant sanctuary in Oklahoma.
Celebrity Judges
Circus Wagons
Circus World is a key partner in the parade, lending its unparalleled collection of historic wagons to the event. Circus Wagons History
Al Ringling Carriage
B&B Golden Age of Chivalry
Mother Goose Pony Float
Old Woman in Shoe
Cinderella Pony Float
Our Country Tableau
Ringling Lion & Mirror Bandwagon
Ringling Bros. Snake Den
Gollmar Bros. Tableau
Ringling Bros. U.S. Bandwagon
Al. G Barnes Tableau (Elephant Tableau)
America Steam Calliope
Beck Family Calliope
Gollmar Mirror
Stringer Wagon No. 201
Marching Bands
TBA
Kids Fun
BOUNCE HOUSES
TERHUNE TRIO
Acrobatic Act — Courthouse Lawn
WILD RUMPUS CIRCUS
Live Performance – Courthouse Lawn
CIRCUS JUVENTAS
Circus School for Youth
Eat Street
EDWARD’S ICE CREAM
Cones, Corn Dogs, Lemonade
ANY STREET GRILL
Burgers, Hot Dogs and Macaroni & Cheese
BADGER KETTLE KORN
Kettle Korn
LOS MILPA’S
Mexican Cuisine
HEAVENLY SMOKED ROASTERS
Barbecue
SUGAR RUSH TRUCK
Frozen Sweet Treats
OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN
Deep Fried Cheese Curds
Soda
Water
Circus Celebration
AMBASSADORS TENT
10:00am-3:00pm
Domino’s Pizza
Water
Soda