Whether it was a class trip to Circus World Museum in Baraboo or witnessing the Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee, most Wisconsin residents are familiar with the state’s circus history. However, most aren’t aware Wisconsin is also a hot bed of clowning activity. The world’s oldest and longest-running clown school, Clown Camp, is based out of La Crosse, Wisconsin. The program attracts clowns from all over the world and in the late 1980s as many as 1200 people a year came to the program. In addition, the International Clown Hall of Fame recently opened in downtown Baraboo.

Last week I caught up with Wisconsin-based clown, Kenny Ahern, at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Ahern began clowning 25 years ago and has toured five seasons with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He has performed all over the world but was happy to settle down in Wisconsin.

“There’s such a great heritage of circus and clowning in Wisconsin. It’s pretty cool to be here and be a part of it. I think of it as carrying on the tradition,” Ahern said.

Behind the Scenes Dispatch by:
Amelia Pisapia, a member of the EngageWisconsin team

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HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE: Were you -or- do you know of someone who is/was a Wisconsin resident and in the circus? If your answer is yes, please contact Amelia Pisapia to learn more about how you can get involved in WPT’s digital storytelling project, chronicling Wisconsin’s unique circus history. In particular, she is looking for Wisconsin residents presently or previously involved in clowning or other circus-related acts.

Email: amelia.pisapia@engagewisconsin.org

ABOUT BIG TOP WISCONSIN, a circus storytelling project — Despite the advent of television, video games, and the internet, the circus continues to excite the imaginations of people of all ages. The PBS series Circus will provide a modern-day glimpse into the inner-workings of this unique cultural phenomenon. “Big Top Wisconsin: A Circus Digital Storytelling Project” is inspired by Wisconsin’s distinct role in the development of the circus in the United States.