SW Wisconsin News

An all-star panel of celebrity judges is set to preside over Baraboo’s Big Top Parade on June 14. The parade will feature Miss Wisconsin Mandi Genord, Wisconsin Historical Society CEO Christian Overland, and "Discover Wisconsin" host Lindsey Hayes as they lead the event before taking their places at the judges' stand.

Nanci Jenks, chair of the Big Top Parade organizing committee, expressed excitement about the participation of these notable figures. “We’re honored to have such esteemed statewide celebrities participate in our parade,” she stated. With a variety of entries ranging from Circus World wagons to marching bands and community floats, the task for the judges is expected to be challenging.

The parade will wind through downtown Baraboo and serve as a highlight for a weekend filled with circus-themed activities in the Ringling Brothers’ hometown. The judging panel includes Genord, who is concluding her tenure as Miss Wisconsin; Overland, who manages Wisconsin historic sites including Circus World and is part of the Governor’s Council on Tourism; and Hayes, an Emmy Award-winning TV host and producer from Sauk County.

Judges will select winners for top overall entry, best commercial entry, and best nonprofit entry among an anticipated 75 participants. The parade will commence at 11 a.m. on June 14, coinciding with Flag Day under a patriotic theme.

George Althoff, Executive Director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce, encouraged participants and spectators alike to embrace this theme. “This will be a star-spangled celebration,” he said. “We encourage everyone – from parade entries to our celebrity judges to spectators along the parade route – to wear red, white and blue.”

For more information about the parade and related events, visit bigtopparade.com.