OVER 550,000 PEOPLE AND $ 100 MILLION !

JD Steele and the All-Church Community Choir .

During the past two and a half decades over 550,000 people have attended Big Top performances , many of them tourists and visitors to the area . The indirect benefit of these visitors to the lodging industry , restaurants , retail stores , gas stations and other businesses has been estimated by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism as $ 4 million annually .

At least $ 1 Million per year in direct expenses go back into our community for salaries , taxes , transportation , advertising , telecommunications and all the services necessary to operate this nonprofit performing arts organization . The local artists supported by Big Top help make this one of the most exciting artistic communities in the state .

We promote the Bayfield peninsula and draw people to the entire region . Annually , Big Top spends more than $ 100,000 on marketing and public relations which has a significant impact on regional tourism . In addition , Tent Show Radio is heard on 50 public radio stations throughout Wisconsin and 9 other states . It is estimated that the listening audience for TSR is 23,500 listeners

The Big Top is vital to our well-being beyond measure . . . . it ’ s importance cannot be over-stated .

Mike Goodier , Seagull Bay Motel

How fortunate and proud we are of Big Top and its talented group of musicians for the valuable entertainment they provide and the economic impact they have on our community .

Cari Obst , Bayfield Chamber

nationwide each week ! Tent Show radio production and distribution is provided free to non-commercial stations thanks to our loyal Tent Show Radio Sponsors !

We assist other area organizations by providing donations of tickets and merchandise to support their individual fundraising efforts . We provide support to the Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation and the Mt . Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area by bringing patrons to their bar and concessions areas during our shows – this income is greatly needed to sustain the Ski Hill ’ s mission to “ develop , foster and encourage outdoor winter sports …, to create opportunities for citizens to participate in and contribute to the outdoor culture of the region … and to promote high standards of fair play and sportsmanship .”

We offer free programs to our area school students so that they can experience the “ edu-tainment ” of our original , historical productions that teach history and land stewardship in a memorable and fun way . Last year nearly 1,000 students from Ashland , Bayfield , Washburn , Madeline Island , Phillips , Iron River , Drummond , Marengo , and Duluth attended a special student performance by the Blue Canvas Orchestra under the blue striped canvas – making memories !

Canvas Tents

6

Tickets Sold

26 SUMMERS OF STATS

Regional Economic Impact

Students Reached

Volunteer Hours Given Per Year