Yes, after a six-year hiatus, the Great Circus Parade is returning to the streets of Milwaukee on Sunday, July 12^th, 2009. It runs two hours and will start at 130pm. It will wind its way through downtown Milwaukee before ending on Michigan Street. Bleacher seats are still available. Reserve them here.

It was last held in Milwaukee back in 2003, before it moved to Baraboo (about 150 miles west of Milwaukee) in 2004 and 2005. The Ringling Bros. Circus, in fact, was founded in Baraboo in 1884. The parade dates back to 1963. This will be the 30^th time it has been hosted by our fine city.

Several hundred thousand people usually come out for the parade, which has 50 antique circus wagons, 350 beautiful horses, 30 bands, exotic animals, and of course, clowns and hundreds of other performers. Ernest Borgnine, who is now 92, was part of some past parades and plans to return this year.

All of this is part of the Great Circus Parade Festival that runs from July 8-11 at the lakefront’s Veterans Park. This event has a petting zoo, animal carousel, ferris wheel ride, and souvenirs (and don’t forget the great food). The Kelly Miller Circus will have tented circus performances. The admission to the show grounds is free but circus performances cost $10 for general admission and $12 for box seats.

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