Milwaukee Great Circus Parade is Back In Town

Milwaukee's Great Circus Parade return synchronized with museum's anniversary.

www.prweb.com/releases/2009/06/prweb2579994.htm

Madison, WI (Vocus/PRWEB ) June 26, 2009 -- On July 12, excited crowds of nearly 1 million people will fill Milwaukee's streets to see at least 50 restored, wood-carved circus wagons, dozens of costumed circus performers, 300 horses, two dozen bands, a steam calliope and a variety of exotic animals in the revival of one of America's most festive events: the Great Circus Parade. The massive event recreates circus parades from the early 1900's and will mark the parade's first appearance in Milwaukee since 2003.

Done in conjunction with the Circus World Museum historic site, The Great Circus Parade Festival begins on June 28 with Wagon Roll-Out Days in Baraboo, Wis. Featuring authentic, intricately carved circus wagons displayed in all their glory, Wagon Roll-Out Days will take place on the grounds of Circus World: a museum and entertainment complex built on the original Ringing Brothers Circus Winter quarters. Baraboo is the original home of the Ringling Brothers Circus--founded in 1884--and the parade coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Circus World Museum.

Open year-round, the Circus World Museum is a lively celebration of "The Greatest Show on Earth." Visitors can browse circus history through artwork and artifacts not found anywhere else in the world, interact with real elephants or take part in KidsWorld Circus, an interactive program where kids can get in on the act and pretend to be animals, magicians and ringmasters on the center stage.

And no circus museum would be complete without big-top performances, of which the Circus World Museum has plenty. From mid-May through August, visitors can experience the heyday of the circus through clown make-up shows, animal performances, magic displays and the Classic American Circus: a spectacle dazzling displays and death-defying feats.

by Amy Guckeen http://www.travelwisconsin.com/article_detail.aspx?articleid=337&menuid=0

Let the calliope play.

It’s been six years since the Great Circus Parade brought clowns, elephants, giraffes and horse-drawn wagons to the urban playground that is Milwaukee. Bigger and better than ever before, the parade returns to the city for the thirtieth time, July 12 at 1:30 p.m.

Circus parades were originally created to lure customers to the circus grounds setting up outside of town, a preview of the fun to come. The Great Circus Parade began in Milwaukee in 1963, and come July, children and adults alike will line the streets to cheer on the costumed riders, brass bands and circus animals.

Perhaps the most famous of all circuses had its beginnings in Wisconsin, when the Ringling siblings founded the Ringling Bros. Circus in 1884 in Baraboo, with their first performance in the backyard of the county jail.

Reason to celebrate!

2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Circus World Museum, erected on the grounds of Ringlingville, the original Ringling Bros. winter quarters for 34 years. On the museum’s 64 acres are more than 210 American, English and Irish circus wagons, programs, photographs, artifacts and the original Ringling Bros. Circus Train complex, all documenting the history of the circus across the country and the world.

In June 2008, it looked like all that history, culture and tradition would be lost – or irreversibly damaged when the Baraboo area was flooded. The circus wagons were moved to higher ground but the collection was then threatened by fire and vandalism over the next few months. Like any outfit in “the business,” at Circus World, the show must go on. Today, the museum continues to bring to life the “Greatest Show on Earth,” promising family fun and preserving the Ringling Brothers legacy.

Let the fun begin.

Before you cheer on the parade, learn the history behind all the hullabaloo. Only 10 miles from Wisconsin Dells, 41 from Madison and 116 from Milwaukee, the Circus World Museum makes for the perfect day trip. The best part? You can run away to the circus year-round, six buildings are open rain, snow or shine, including the 1899 Elephant House and the Ringling Bros. Ring Barn. For tiger adventures and clown shows, come May through August, typically when performance season runs. Off-season admission is cheaper, but who can deny the thrill of Ring of Illusions Magic Show?

More than 100 circuses got their start in Wisconsin, making the state an all too appropriate spot for the largest and most historical re-creation of a circus parade in America.

“To be able to stage the largest historic re-enactment in the country is a privilege,” said Steve Freese, executive director of the Circus World Museum Foundation, at the announcement of the parade’s return.

Kick off the festivities and fun at Circus World in Baraboo, June 28-July 5. Wagon Roll-Out Days will showcase Circus World’s authentic circus parade wagons, as the circus prepares to make the move to Milwaukee. Don’t forget your camera as you gaze upon the glorious colors of the wood-carved collection.

Next, hop in your car and head to Milwaukee July 8-11, to gear up for the parade at the Great Circus Parade Festival, down at the lakefront. Hitch a ride on a camel or share a seat with your sweetheart on the Ferris wheel. Feed the animals in the petting zoo and set the kids free on a circus train ride. Get under the big top for performances by the Kelly Miller circus and don’t forget a stop at some food vendors and face painting as well.

Finally, stake out your spot along the parade route – good spots are to be had along Wisconsin Avenue and Michigan Street. The two-hour parade showcases 50 authentic circus wagons, 350 exquisite horses, 30 musical bands and novelties, exotic animals, 150 clowns and more than 450 riding and walking performers dressed in circus garb. Bleacher seating is available for a fee. Reserve your seat at circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org. Note: Reservations must be received by July 1, 2009.

It’s a wonderful spectacle hearkening back to simpler days, but the magic doesn’t end with the parade. Circus World is there for you anytime you need to relive the thrill of the “Greatest Show on Earth.”

Courtesy of John Goodall