Effective January 1, 2020, a Special Event Permit is required in addition to a license for a Carnival, Circus or Menagerie.

See New Special Event Procedures pursuant to Ordinance 5113 adopted October 10, 2019.

No person shall exhibit any circus, carnival or menagerie of any kind without first having obtained a license therefore; except as provided as follows:

1. An event held within the confines of the La Crosse Center under contract with the La Crosse Center and the City of La Crosse.
2. An event offering only one (1) carnival attraction (i.e. one amusement ride or one inflatable) and is offered free of admission or other charge.

See Ch. 10, Article VIII of the La Crosse Municipal Code.

License Fee

A non-refundable license fee in the amount of $110.00 per day per location is due at the time of application (cash, check payable to City Treasurer or credit with convenience fee).

How to Apply

Applications shall be made in writing on the form prescribed by law and filed with the City Clerk's Office in conjunction with the relevant special event application. Applications shall be filed with the City Clerk not less than sixty (60) days prior to the event and no more than one (1) year in advance. The license fee, clean-up bond and insurance shall accompany the application.

• Download Application

Insurance Requirement

Every carnival, circus or menagerie shall carry single limit liability insurance including complete operations in the amount of $1,000,000. The liability insurance policy shall include the City of La Crosse as an “Additional Insured.” The Insurance Company providing the coverage shall be rated “B” or better in Best’s Key Rating Guide and shall be licensed in the State of Wisconsin. A Certificate of Insurance shall be filed with the City Clerk prior to issuance of the license.

Note: The certificate insurance must describe the event and the additional insured endorsement must accompany the certificate.

Questions?

For more information, contact the City Clerk's Office at (608) 789-7510.

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