The Great Circus Parade
A century ago, it wouldn’t be that unusual for a circus parade to come to town. Now it is practically unheard of, unless you live in Milwaukee! In days gone by the parade was made up of the same things you will see today, but the purpose was practical: getting the cast of characters and equipment into a town and set up for the big show! The show WAS the big attraction. Today, the parade is the spectacle, a feast for the eyes and ears of young and old.
Wisconsin is lucky to have a rare collection of antique hand carved circus wagons. Stored at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI, these wagons are loaded on a train and brought to Milwaukee for the parade which takes place this Sunday, July 12th. According to the official website the parade this year will include: “50 authentic circus wagons, 350 exquisite horses, 30 musical bands and novelties, exotic animals, 150 clowns and over 450 riding and walking performers dressed in lavish circus wardrobe.”
As a child in the 60’s, I remember going downtown to view this parade with my family. A day or two before, we’d go down to the grounds and get a look at the wagons up close. My dad even painted some of those wagons onto our basement rec room walls for decor. The parade was a big deal. But it faded out in the 70’s due to costs, but in the mid to late 80’s, it was revived through local sponsorship, and I got to take my own kids. Again, money issues forced the canceling of the parade. It is back this year, and hopefully it won’t be the last….Just in case, you better get down there and take a look! The parade starts at l:30 pm, and winds its way through downtown Milwaukee.
If you are looking to buy or sell property this year, and don’t want the experience to turn into a circus, be sure to call Pat Tasker for help! As a life long resident of the Milwaukee area, she knows the area, and all it has to offer! Pat can be contacted at 262-427-5853.
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Pat Tasker
