Two Circus World icons are calling it a career at the Baraboo attraction, leaving legacies that span multiple decades.
Dave SaLoutos, Scott O'Donnell leaving Circus World after decades
A Dream Job
Executive director Scott O’Donnell is stepping down Sept. 27, and former ringmaster Dave SaLoutos is retiring Sept. 13.
SaLoutos held 16 positions during his 40 with Circus World, and O’Donnell has done two stints, from 2003 to 2005, and since 2013. Both plan to remain in Baraboo and are open to being consultants with the Wisconsin Historical Society after their departures.
Read the complete article in WiscNews
Message from Dave Saloutos
"The time has arrived for me to retire. For 40 years, Circus World has been my life, and everyone around me understood Circus World came first. From my beginnings in the concession dept. increasing butcher sales by 500%, to coordinating repairs and restoration on The Great Circus Train, working with the Federal Railroad Commission, and railroad companies, to transport our precious wagons to Milwaukee on our antique rail equipment. This led to a position as Associate Parade Director and then Parade Director of The Great Circus Parade. Planning throughout the winter months I worked shoulder to shoulder with countless Milwaukee officials and was allowed to transform 45 acres of Milwaukee Co. Park into a circus wonderland for 18 years, as well as organizing a cookhouse that fed hundreds of our workers 3 meals a day, recruited bands, coordinated 2,000 costumed participants, and created accommodations for 650 horses, electrical and water systems, waste removal, and the list goes on
My performance career took me from circus novelty instrumentalist to carillonneur of the Ringling Bros. Bell Wagon performing with the Madison Chamber Orchestra at the State Capitol before an audience of 40,000 for Concerts on the Square. The honor of my life was serving as Circus World’s first singing ringmaster for 33 seasons, working along world-class circus artists and bringing joy and wonder to millions in the big top. While many view my life as the road less traveled, it was a dream job and wildly fulfilling. I cherish every moment spent bringing circus history to life."
A few years back we honored Dave as he retired from his legendary career as our beloved singing ringmaster, and now we honor his full retirement from Circus World. His smile lit up the big top, his rich baritone voice filled the air, and his heart always lead the way. Circus World and Baraboo are so much better because of this hometown fellow who always gave it his all.
As we always say in the circus - see you down the road Dave. We love you!
Scott O'Donnell
Scott O'Donnell
After more than a decade of remarkable leadership as the Director of Circus World, we are wishing Scott O’Donnell well and celebrating his incredible contributions as he embarks on new life adventures. Under his leadership, Circus World continued to grow and flourish as one of the nation’s premier circus heritage destinations dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the circus artform. Scott will stay on through this Fall for a strong finish to the summer season and to help set the stage for the 2025 performance season.
Scott’s remarkable tenure as Circus World site director began in 2013 and is marked with countless transformative contributions. He was instrumental in securing back-to-back Save America’s Treasures grants and a Historic Structures Report that advanced preservation of the historic “Ringlingville” winter quarters, as well as the development of a master plan that will enhance the visitor experience for generations to come. Most recently, Scott was a driving force behind the Wisconsin Historical Society’s acquisition of the Al. Ringling Theatre, which was gifted to the Society to expand year-round performances and to ensure a vibrant future for the historically significant community theatre.
The Wisconsin Historical Society is grateful to Scott for eleven years of passion, expertise and leadership that has advanced the Circus World experience and the Society’s mission to collect, preserve and share the rich history of our state and nation. Scott’s unwavering dedication and artistic vision has positioned Circus World for a bright future and his incredible contributions will be felt for years to come.
Let’s send Scott out in style with a packed house under the Big Top as we close out our 65th anniversary season! Plans are in the works to celebrate Scott’s lasting Circus World legacy during these final performances of the season. Scott, may all your days be circus days!
