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The Circus Parade (Circus World Museum)

A historical recreation and celebration of the lavish American circus street parades of 100 years ago is presented every July in downtown Milwaukee. It features 2,000 flamboyantly costumed participants, 1,000 musicians, 700 horses, more than 100 clowns, scores of exotic animals, and 50 restored antique circus parade wagons. Laden with gilded wood carvings, elaborately painted scenes, mirrored surfaces, and colorful wheels, the vehicles are brought on the Great Circus Train from the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The 400-mile journey takes four days and is a spectacle in itself, stopping in numerous communities throughout eastern Wisconsin. Once the train arrives in Milwaukee, five days of circus performances and activities are offered at Veterans Park, culminating in the parade.

Originally submitted by: Russell D. Feingold, Senator.



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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

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