Some of the best chefs, brewmasters and vintners in south-central Wisconsin took part in the festive "Circus of the Chefs ... The Gala 2008" held at Circus World on Sunday, June 29, 2008.

Smashing event raises record-breaking $191,000!

This year's event attracted a crowd of 440 circus enthusiasts and raised an estimated $191,000 — which is an all-time high. Funds were raised by the event through ticket and table sales, donations of goods and services, a unique "cork sale" (matched with donated wine), and the proceeds from silent and live auctions.

All proceeds from the event benefit Circus World's museum and performance venue.

The top auction item of the evening was a $2,600 bid for a day at Circus World and dinner for 36 in the museum's historic rail car.

Co-chairs of "Circus of Chefs ... The Gala 2008" were Susan and Jonathan Lipp of Full Compass, Middleton, and Jenele and Merlin Zitzner of The Baraboo National Bank.

A total of 32 chefs, restaurants, brewmasters and vintners took part in the festive event, and four chefs walked away with prestigious "Silver Platter" awards after a panel of judges deemed their culinary creations and beverages the best of the best.

See this year's award winners.