BARABOO, Wis. — Baraboo native Dave SaLoutos said he realized early on, he wanted a career under the big top tent.  

“I just, I fell in love with it. And each year gets deeper and deeper,” SaLoutos said.

Saloutos began as a “candy butcher” in high school, where he worked the concession stand, twisted cotton candy and popped popcorn.  

But in college at University of Wisconsin-Madison, at 21-years-old, he received a part in Circus World’s stage production. 

He said he tried different careers and used other talents for a bit, but he was drawn back to Baraboo and the circus life in 1986.

Now 65-years-old, he said he’s ending his 39 years at Circus World. With 33 of them as ringmaster, he said it’s a bit bittersweet. 

He said the physical demands of the seven-day-a-week, summer-time show have become too much.

Luckily, SaLoutos has spent the last 13 years preparing his protégé for the position.

“It just feels like it’s right. It’s time to pass the torch. Let the younger generation take over,” Salutos said.

Meanwhile, cast and crew members said their hearts were heavy. Circus World Executive Director Scott O’Donnell said it was an emotional week for everyone.

“You know, how do you replace [Dave’s talent]? You know? You don’t. You honor a legendary career of the likes of which only Dave can do,” O’Donnell said.

While SaLoutos won’t be on stage anymore, he said he was planning to help out behind the scenes in his new chapter of service at Circus World.  

His final show is slated for this Sunday, Aug. 30.