Every July in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
the Great Circus Parade brings circus history back to life. The
wagons that rolled down the streets of Europe as well as America 100
years ago to announce that the circus had come to town, roll again.
It is a week-long celebration that starts off in Baraboo, Wisconsin,
home of the Circus World Museum, where the wagons have been restored
and are on public display. Draft-horse teams come from all parts of
the country to load the wagons on to vintage flatcars in
turn-of-the-century style. The circus train travels across Wisconsin
and Illinois for two days and arrives in Milwaukee to a showground
set with animal petting zoos, horse tents, bandwagons, and the Big
Top. For three days people come to see the wagons and share the
circus atmosphere. On Sunday, the seventh day, the Great Circus
Parade marches down the main street: 700 horses, 150 wagons,
including the spectacular 40-horse hitch, 250 clowns, a kingdom of
wild animals escorted by red-coated outriders, scores of brassy
wagon-top and marching bands, hundreds of glittering costumed
participants - making this one of America's greatest events.
Condition: Very good with Very Good dustjacket. (Click on cover
above for close up of condition). |
