[shrill whistle]
- George Frederick: Beaver Dam needed a new YMCA
because the building that they had been using
was simply inadequate.
The YMCA hired A. E. Bergman as its director in 1941.
He brought with him an idea for fundraising
which was a combination parade and circus.
I mean, it was wide open to anybody that had an act
and wasn't afraid to be in front of an audience
had the opportunity.
Probably the most noteworthy was a dog
which balanced a shot glass on its nose.
From 1946 to 1959, there was a circus every year.
It was monumental in terms of its importance to the community.
I mean, virtually the entire town turned out for that circus.
[gentle music]