- The Great Circus Parade
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The 2009 Great Circus Parade ® was a spectacular two-hour tribute to lavish street pageants produced by showmen of the golden era of the American circus.
The parade stepped out on July 12 at 1:30 pm with a prelude fanfare of high-wheel bikes, the Milwaukee Police Band, antique firefighting equipment, mounted police and sheriff posses, antique automobiles with political dignitaries, and the mayor of Milwaukee.
After that, the parade became entirely horse drawn with 50 authentic circus wagons, 350 exquisite horses, 30 musical bands and novelties, exotic animals, 150 clowns and over 450 riding and walking performers dressed in lavish circus wardrobe. It was impossible not to feel the special excitement and joy that only a circus parade can provide as it trumpeted throughout the city's major downtown thoroughfares before ending on Michigan Street. This event continues to be one of the nation's largest parades.
- 2009 Parade Photos
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Photos courtesy of photographer Mark A. Stall