Seaside Heights Clownfest Celebrates 31st Year this September
Red ball noses and floppy shoes abound with clowns, clowns and more clowns from all over the USA, Puerto Rico and Canada will converge on Seaside Heights, NJ for the 31st year. Folks from all over the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania mark their calendars every year with a big red nose. Once again it is time for the Jersey Shore it is time to trade flip flops for big floppy shoes. This years big boardwalk clown display for the public is on Saturday, Sept. 15 and Sunday Sept. 16, 2012.
These colorful playful folks flock to Seaside Heights each year to see what are the newest in clown and magic props as well as to brush up on their skills. “The clown folks are treated to three days of class time in front of some of the finest trainers in the clown arts in the world”… noted Vincent A. Pagliano, clown entrepreneur and Chairman of The National Clown arts Project, Inc.. “Following the classes and workshops and some competition time they then hit the boards for some traditional fun with the public.”, he further chirped with a chuckle, “and then it all culminates with our big Clownfest Clown Parade on Sunday.”
The parade has been the highlight of this grand family event over all the 31 years. Clowns, mixed with marching bands, parade to the delight of the clown fans. Even amateur and children are invited to be a part of the parade. Folks are encouraged to register the day of the parade starting at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Heiring Avenue. It’s a chance to be a clown for a day and see what it is like to wear a painted on smile for the public. The units that folks can participate on Sunday’s parade are Amateur – ages 15 and over to include adults, Kiddie I – ages 0 to 4, Kiddie II – ages 5 to 9 and Kiddie III – ages 10 to 14. Registered clown folks will receive FREE ride tickets to the Casino Pier after the parade. Participants could win a trophy in their division as well. Parents can walk along with their youngsters in the parade.
The parade takes place right on the boardwalk and it is up close and the perfect opportunity to get colorful memories in pictures. Traditionally the Clownfest Clown Parade is lead by the “Funny Factory Clown Band” out of Colts Neck, NJ, lead by “VAPPO” The Clown. This brass band has been a part of parades all over the area since 1986. It has even appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, three times. The parading clowns are encouraged to be interaction as they just about touch every heart along the mile long boardwalk. For some families this tradition goes back to their childhood when they came with their parents and now today they bring their children for the fun.
On Saturday the clowns are out and about scurrying to different events to play with the public. This is a great opportunity to meet the funsters up close. Fun activities are scheduled at several different locations. All of the events of the day are free to the public. It is a great time to close the summer season as school begins and the families have a chance to share in some special times together. “It’s what Seaside Heights is all about”, quoted Danielle Gries, Administrative Director, Seaside Heights Business Improvement District, Inc., “Clowns are an iconic figure in this family amusement town. You can find clown images painted in many locations here in town. It’s great to tie in real live clown folks every year.” The best part of Clownfest is that all of the clown events and the parade are free.
Clownfest brings families to the big boardwalk for the clown events. Of course there are all of the other attractions that Seaside Heights holds like the rides, games, salt water taffy, sausage sandwiches, fries and of course the custard. Families come on down for a couple of days at Clownfest and the memories live on and on.
- SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 -
- 11:30 AM FREE – “BOARDWALK CLOWN STROLLERS”
“PEOPLE’S CHOICE”… Vote for your favorite five Clown Funsters.
- 12:30 PM FREE – “FAMILY FUN FROLIC”,
Families & Clowns Have a Beach Ball with the Clowns. Station #1 – FREMONT AVENUE
- 12:30 PM FREE – “CLOWN BALLOON EXPRESS”
Clowns with fun balloon creations . Station #2 – DUPONT AVENUE
- 2:00 PM FREE – “FAMILY FUN FROLIC”, Families & Clowns
Have a Beach Ball with the Clowns. Station #3 – SUMNER AVENUE
- 2:00 AM FREE – “CLOWN BALLOON EXPRESS”
Clowns with fun balloon creations. Station #1 – FREMONT AVENUE
- 3:00 PM FREE – “CLOWN KAZOO BAND”, on the Boardwalk.
See the Zany Clowns as they play a tune and march down the Boardwalk.
- 3:30 PM FREE – “FAMILY FUN FROLIC”, Families & Clowns
Have a Beach Ball with the Clowns. Station #2 – DUPONT AVENUE
- 3:30 PM FREE – “CLOWN BALLOON EXPRESS”
- 4:30 PM FREE- “CLOWN SHOW”, Franklin Ave. Stage.
From NY City, the “HEY-YA BROS.” FUN on Stage. – FRANKLIN AVENUE
- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 -
- 10:30 AM FREE – “CLOWN COMPETITIONS”, Boardwalk.
- 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM FREE – Pre-Parade Registration
Join in with the clowns in the “Public Clown Competition”.
Amateur & Kiddie Clowns from the public can sign up to win trophies.
- Kiddie I – Ages 0 to 4 – Kiddie II – Ages 5 to 9
- Kiddie III – Ages 10 to 14 – Amateur – Ages 15 to Adults.
- 2:00 PM FREE – “BIG CLOWN PARADE” with Marching Bands!
FUN Clowns & Marching Bands cavort down the Boardwalk.
Posted by Ocean County News
on Aug 21 2012. Filed under Community, Events.
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