Hi there! Wow, the temperature has really been soaring! Summer is speeding by and schools will be open when you read this.
August has always been a special month for all clowns. From August 1-7 is designated “International Clown Week” and clowns around the world try to visit and entertain at as many places as possible as volunteers. It is the one occasion when all clowns are asked to not charge for their services and just promote the art of clowning in whatever way they choose. “Clowns on Call” was extremely active in clown week since our beginnings in 2015 except for the dreaded Covid period. We usually had at least one event every day, and I just checked back and in 2019 we had 12 appearances in 8 days. It was exhausting but wonderful! Unfortunately, due to the few remaining active clowns in our alley, we have cut back dramatically; however we will have one gig during Clown Week which I will share later in this article.
Twinkle Toes and I had a great time at the YMCA with their 4 pre-school classes just after July 4th. We did 2 performances for 30 minutes each for 26 adorable 3-4 yr. olds and 25 equally adorable 4-5 yr. olds. (see photos) Twinkle Toes read a very funny book called “Do Wackie Do,” to the younger group. We sang a few familiar songs with them, and I did a magic trick with both groups. After the performance each child came up to briefly chat and receive a cute little beaded dog (made by Twinkle Toes) and a Happy Face sticker (which is really our signature give-a-way). In the 2nd class, I read a book entitled “Twas The Night Before the Fourth of July,” and it went over very well. At the end of the story it shows the family reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. On the spur of the moment, I asked one of the teachers present if the kids knew the pledge. She said they did, and so I had them stand and recite it together. I can’t tell you how proud I was of their achievement! Everyone of them knew every word, and they were so pleased to be able to show off a little. It was inspiring.
I must compliment the teaching staff as they are exceptional!
On to events in August. The Country Club is having a “Back to School Bash” Brunch and Show on Sunday, August 2nd and the entire community at Boca Pointe is invited. There will a bounce house, face painting, other games and activities and a terrific bubble performance that I am really looking forward to myself as I have seen photos and videos of professional bubble performers but never in person. Of course, “Clowns on Call” will be taking part in the fun and excitement, so I hope many of you attend. This will be our only gig during Clown Week, so it’s very special for us.
On Sunday, August 30, we will be at “Bowling For Bread,” sponsored by our very favorite nonprofit organization “Boca Helping Hands.” This event invites a few hundred children from all the agencies, schools, clubs, etc. in the Boca area to have an afternoon of free bowling, wonderful food and the chance to win tons of beautiful baskets filled with all kinds of gifts, donated by very generous sponsors. Each child gets a colorful t-shirt advertising the event, so it is really an impressive looking group. We have been doing this gig since our alley started, and I have been volunteering there since 2002. If anyone is interested in attending, please contact the agency for more information. It’s a great fund-raiser.
That’s it for today. Don’t forget to wave if you see a clown on campus!
