June 16 and 17 shows with Leon Redbone and Jonathan Edwards were moved to nearby Bayfield High School. A Big Top spokesperson told Pollstar the shows June 24 with Asleep At The Wheel and June 25 with Riders In The Sky will go on as originally scheduled under a new tent at the Big Top Chautauqua location.

The fire, which was reported at about 1:45 a.m. June 15, consumed most of the tent and stage area, and all of the stage lighting and sound equipment. Also lost in the fire was a vintage red velvet stage curtain, which dated to the 1930s.

Only favorable winds prevented the conflagration from destroying the seating areas, concession tent and chalet area, limiting the fire to the stage end of the venue.

Damages are estimated at $350,000. The cause of the blaze is still undetermined, but was most likely electrical, Bayfield Fire Department Chief Randy Erickson told The Daily Press of Ashland, Wis.

The nonprofit performing arts venue opened its 15th season Memorial Day weekend.

Numerous volunteers have helped with the cleanup, and community officials pledged support.

“We ain’t going to let some little bonfire stop us,” said Warren Nelson, Big Top’s founder and artistic director.