Circus history runs deep in French Lick West Baden! The owner of the West Baden Springs Hotel in the early part of the 20th Century, Ed Ballard, also owned the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and brought them to winter quarter in the area. At its peak, it was the second largest circus in America!
In 2018, the French Lick West Baden Museum held Circus Day which honored the 100th anniversary of the 1918 train disaster that claimed the lives of 86 performers…complete with firebreathers, balloon animals, bounce houses, stilt walkers, and a ringmaster! For this year's event, they are adding an ax-throwing wagon, carnival games, live music, acrobats, antics by the Hadi Shriners, a costumed pet parade, and a book signing. The French Lick West Baden Museum will also be hosting a single ring equestrian based circus! Cirque Ma’Ceo will entertain fans of all ages with 9th generation performers and bareback riders.
