Staging The Great Circus Parade

Milwaukee was home to the Great Circus Parade for almost 30 years. Beginning in 1963 and continuing until 1972, the parade became an annual tradition, except in 1967 when the event was cancelled because of civil unrest. Revived on a smaller scale in 1980, the parade traveled between Baraboo and Chicago until it returned to Milwaukee in 1985. Each year, it grew in size and scope, gaining national prominence. The old-fashioned circus parade became an event of mammoth proportions, requiring an army of volunteers working behind the scenes.

Milwaukee was home to the Great Circus Parade for almost 30 years. Beginning in 1963 and continuing until 1972, the parade became an annual tradition, except in 1967 when the event was cancelled because of civil unrest. Revived on a smaller scale in 1980, the parade traveled between Baraboo and Chicago until it returned to Milwaukee in 1985. Each year, it grew in size and scope, gaining national prominence. The old-fashioned circus parade became an event of mammoth proportions, requiring an army of volunteers working behind the scenes.

Presents an account of the Milwaukee Circus Parade and its revival, and an official order of March for 1988 parade.

A picture book of a circus parade.

183 rare photographs and posters (10 in full color) from 1850s to 1920s. Ornate wagons and chariots, brass bands, elephants, camels, lions, clowns, jugglers, cowboys, Indians, much more. Authentic Americana. Detailed captions. Introduction.

This is a new release of the original 1955 edition.