Nov_Dec_1998

November/December, 1998
How to start
your own
clown day
By Jerry "Yo Yo" and Connie "Topsy" Yarbrough
Uptown Clowns COAi Alley #301
Last Jan. 24, Uptown Clowns and the City of Largo, FL,
Recreation and Parks hosted the first "Florida Clown Day" in
Largo Central Park. Clowns and clown alleys from all over
the state were invited to attend the one-day celebration
honoring clowns who live and work in Florida. Some 87
clowns registered for the event and donated their skills to
paint faces, make balloon animals, fill helium balloons, do
walkarounds, magic, juggling and a comedy skit
show -- all free to the public.
Participating clowns were fed hot dogs,
soda and cookies, and given a canvas tote bag.
Largo officials estimate that 3,000 people
attended Florida Clown Day and two other
events scheduled in the park that day.
Feedback from the City of Largo and the
community at large was very favorable.
Feedback from the clowns who attended was
excellent and our alley was encouraged to do it
again in 1999 -- and we will.
Uptown Clowns formed its unique affiliation
with the City of Largo in 1996. Since that time
the alley has clowned for numerous citysponsored
events. We don't know of any other
alley in the country that has a similar
relationship. We are proud of our association.
Here's what to do if your alley is interested in doing its
own Clown Day.
FORM A COMMITTEE. A handful of dedicated
members can do it all. The chair should have a good
overview of the entire event, call the meetings and be the
main contact. Our alley has co-chairclowns and 1 O other
members on the committee who are responsible for
registration, food/refreshments, balloons, face painting,
travel (list of area hotels) , door monitors, group photo,
mailings, publicity and whatever else is needed to make the
day a success.
AN 11-STEP CHECKLIST FOR THE
COMMITTEE
1. Decide on the name. You can call it anything you
want-- "Georgia Clown Day" or "Augusta Clown Day,"
"Alabama Clown Day," "Birmingham Clown Day." Pick your
state or city or both.
2. Choose a date. It can be any day in any month. We
found that weekends are better for families . We chose
Saturday, Jan. 24, because it tied in with two other park
events. A nice Saturday afternoon in Spring would be a
great time for the event, before the weather turns hot.
3 .. Find a place to hold the celebration. Contact the city
parks or recreation officials to find out if they are interested
in co-hosting the event. A city park is a good place to start. If
the park has a building, pavilion or center where you can
hold the event, that's a bonus. If the park doesn't have a
building, they may have a big tent or several smaller tents or
a meeting hall. If you hold the event outside , you should
have a place to come inside if the weather turns bad. Tell
city officials that this is a free day for the citizens of their
community and the clowns will donate their time and talents
to paint faces, make balloon animals, do skits, a magic
show, juggle or just plain meet and
greet -- whatever your clowns can do to
entertain. You will also need a stage
and sound system.
4. If you can't find a park, talk with the
local mall manager.If you can find an airconditioned
mall and it has room
enough for a stage, sound system and
some tables for face painting , balloons ,
etc ., you can do your celebration there.
The mall benefits from the increased
crowds you are sure to attract. If it has a
food court, the mall might agree to pay
for food and refreshments for
participating clowns. Make sure the mall
promotes the event in their advertising
and on their marquee or signs.
5. Once you have established the date and place, mail
out notices at least three months before the event to every
alley.clown club and individual clown you know in your
state. COAi and WCA have membership directories that list
alleys and individuals by state. To keep track of the clowns
who will attend and help with face painting, balloons, etc.,
include a blank form on which to list name, address and
phone number, and ask them to send it back to you.
6. Contact the local newspapers , radio and TV stations
to publicize the event. Emphasize that it is free to the
public.
7. Find sponsors who will help fund your out-of-pocket
expenses such as mailing costs , signs and food and
refreshments if you plan to feed the clowns. Our rule is we
only feed clowns in full makeup who register for the event.
Sponsors should be listed on your signs at the event.
8. Call your balloon and face painting suppliers and ask
34 The New Calliope