MADISON, WI – July 12, more than one million people will fill the streets of Milwaukee 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.

Done in conjunction with the Circus World Museum historic site, this massive event will recreate circus parades from the early 1900s, complete with antique circus wagons, animals, marching bands, clowns, jugglers and more. It will mark the parade’s first appearance in Milwaukee since 2003.

The two-hour grand parade begins at the city’s lakefront and meanders through Milwaukee’s downtown city streets. Established in 1963, the parade was once one of the nation’s largest, topped in attendance only by the Pasadena Rose Parade. Milwaukee city officials expect it will quickly regain its drawing power; they anticipate upwards of one million onlookers.

Kick-off celebrations for the grand parade include a four-day festival (July 8–11) at Veterans Park, along Milwaukee’s lakefront. The area will be filled with animal rides, circus performers, antique circus wagons, face painting and food vendors as well as a giant Ferris wheel.

The return of the Circus Parade coincides with the 50th anniversary of Circus World Museum. Located in Baraboo, Wis., where the Ringling Brothers Circus was founded in 1884, this National Historic Landmark is sited on the grounds of the original Ringling Bros. Circus winter quarters. June 28, the museum will begin Parade Roll-Out Days, offering visitors a chance to get close and personal with the authentic, colorful antique wagons before they travel to Milwaukee.

Copyright 2009 Wisconsin Department of Tourism. All rights reserved. From http://www.travelwisconsin.com.
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