Sunday, July 28, 2013

BARABOO PARADE

On Wisconsin: Circus wagons hit the streets as Baraboo celebrates heritage


The Baraboo High School marching band dressed the part Saturday as they entertained during Baraboo Big Top Parade that celebrates the community's circus heritage. Officials hope to make the parade an annual event.
from: host.madison.com
BARRY ADAMS | Wisconsin State Journal
July 28, 2013
BARABOO — Danny Perkins of Bartlett, Ill., wore a stocking cap. Down the street, Chelsey Hager and her 4-year-old son, Matthew, of nearby Leland, cuddled under a blanket while they tore at and munched cotton candy.

The thousands who crowded this city’s downtown on Saturday came dressed as they would for a late September homecoming parade, thanks to unseasonably chilly temperatures. But instead of football and cheerleaders, the Baraboo Big Top Parade was all about this city’s circus heritage.

Historic circus wagons from Circus World Museum were the stars, but the parade also included members of the Gollmar Circus family, an elephant and Baraboo High School’s marching band wearing clown outfits.


Vlastek Valla showed off his skills at handling a 10-foot boa constrictor while his enclosed wagon with bay windows was pulled by an antique 1924 Mack truck.
Piccolo player Jane Chatelain sat atop the United States Bandwagon with 15 other members of the Jerry Stich Band. The wagon was pulled by a four-horse hitch, a big change from the 40 horses that pulled the Two Hemispheres wagon she rode numerous times during the Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee, the last in 2009.

“The novelty doesn’t wear off,” said Chatelain, a Baraboo resident. “It’s very exciting.”

The enthusiasm for all things circus was prolific Saturday, despite temperatures in the mid-50s, overcast skies and a threat of rain that produced just a brief period of scattered sprinkles.
 
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Bundled spectators crowded on two sides of the courthouse square, set up lawn chairs under the Al. Ringling Theatre marquee and used blankets to claim spots along Third Street in front of the Downtowner Bar & Grill, which was offering roasters full of hot dogs, brats and sloppy joe.
Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/on-wisconsin-circus-wagons-hit-the-streets-as-baraboo-celebrates/article_2ecd03f6-e025-5c83-95cc-60b42cf78711.html#ixzz2aKrYHpXZ

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