Elephants! Clowns! Unicyclists! Preserving the Ringling tradition in Wisconsin

The Ringling brothers started out performing stunts in their backyard in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the late 19th century. Al Ringling learned to balance a plow on his chin, put together a trained dog act, and persuaded his brother John to perform as a musical clown.

In time the family show grew into the world’s greatest entertainment juggernaut. By the Roaring Twenties, John alone was one of the richest men in America, worth an estimated $200 million, or $3.1 billion in today’s dollars.

Circus World, Ringling Bros.’ former winter headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin, not only preserves the old bandwagons and animal barns, but hosts a live circus every summer. Here’s a glimpse of the show my family and I found when we visited recently. (I shall publish a couple more videos in the future.)

The show continues through August 29.

For more about my novel manuscript, The Elephant Box, click here. Why a circus blog? Learn more here.