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GOOD-BYE TILL NEXT YEAR

THE STORY OF THE CAROLINA CLOWNS

CAROLINA CLOWNS INC. proudly celebrates 55 years of service in 2012 to Charlotte and surrounding communities.

In 1957, Earl Crawford Sr., Executive Secretary to the Carrousel Parade, approached Jack Pentes, a Charlotte artist and designer, looking for individuals who wanted to participate in the Carrousel Parade as clowns. Jack, who had been appearing as "Bobo" the clown on "Big Bill's Club House" on WBTV, and several others he recruited marched in that year's parade. From that group, CAROLINA CLOWNS was formed and Jack Pentes was elected the first president. Today 25 men and women continue that tradition, giving of their time and talent to bring joy and laughter to our churches, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and community functions. The membership ranges in age from the early twenties to the late eighties (you must be 18 to join) and come from diverse backgrounds including nurses, teachers, homemakers, and social workers. Each of our members share the mutual feeling of concern and desire to make others happy.

The organization is a charitable, nonsectarian, nonprofit group of volunteers coming together to put on grease paint, red noses, funny shoes and costumes and to unselfishly give of themselves. All four clown types are represented in the organization: Auguste, White Face, Character, and Hobo. Each clown develops his or her own character, costume, and make-up and is responsible for his or her own expenses, including travel to and from appearances. Individual clowns often attend educational seminars to learn how to create balloon animals, perform magic, face paint, and learn new skits.

You can spot CAROLINA CLOWNS around town at Festival in the Park, The Carrousel Parade, WBTV Blood Give-In, fundraisers for MS, MD, the March of Dimes, and at other local parades and community events in the Charlotte and surrounding area.

CAROLINA CLOWNS INC. gladly accepts tax-deductible donations to the organization to help defray expenses of postage, telephone service, printing of brochures (which are given out free of charge), insurance fees, costs of sound equipment, etc.

It is making a difference that has brought individuals together to continue the art of clowning through THE CAROLINA CLOWNS. All the members volunteer their own time solely for the purpose of sharing happiness, smiles, and laughter. Through this giving, the CAROLINA CLOWNS has touched many lives and that is what the organization is all about.