Clown Chronicles: April ‘26
What Happened in March
David Slick explains the giraffe-style unicycle.
Our March alley meeting was called to order at 6:41 PM by VP William Beaty, setting the stage for an evening filled with updates, inspiration, and a whole lot of clown camaraderie. We missed President Tricia tonight as she had a paid gig.
We kicked things off with a fun recap of happenings since the last meeting. There was a recent Balloon Jam, where Bonita, Posie, Tricia, and William represented us well. A special shout-out goes to Posie for helping Bonita create a delightful flower balloon bracelet complete with blinking lights. Cinde shared highlights from her trip to the magic convention in Blackpool, England and her excursion to Paris, France.
The previous meeting minutes were approved unanimously, thanks to a motion by Bonita and a second from Posie. Our Treasurer reported that funds have been transferred into the convention account and don't forget, dues are now due! We are excited to welcome a new member into our clown family — Claudia Fain. Let's be sure to give her a warm alley welcome!
Unicycle instructions from our March meeting!
Old Business
Last month's performance by Tony and Juliana Winiecki was a highlight. They performed a juggling story show and then with their guidance we all tried to learn to juggle clubs, balls, scarves, devil sticks and more. Sterling is keeping the alley Facebook page up to date so be sure to check it out and stay connected!
Posie and Martha represented us beautifully at a special needs clubhouse event, which included dinner and an auction. Thank you both for sharing your talents and heart with the community.
New Business
Looking ahead, William is lining up some epic programs for our alley meetings. Stay tuned for details! We also have a wonderful opportunity to give back: The Children's Cancer Fund Gala at the Anatole is coming up, and volunteers are needed! This special event features children bravely battling cancer walking in a fashion show, escorted by notable figures like Cowboys players and local media personalities. Our role is to entertain backstage with balloons and walk-around fun (no face painting). The event runs from 3:30–6:30 PM, and food will be provided. Please contact Cinde if you'd like to participate in this meaningful experience.
Mark your calendars for March 28th (10 AM–12 PM) for the Georgia Farrow Easter event. This event helps fund our space at the Recreation center and your support truly makes a difference!
At next month's meeting, Bonita will lead a hands-on session on DIY puppets. She will even bring all the supplies so everyone can join in the fun. May will be our Joint meeting with the Cowtown Clowns (details still being finalized). In June: Eli Sellers from the Flop School of Clown will join us with games, props, and more!
With so many exciting events, opportunities to serve, and chances to grow creatively, it's clear our alley continues to thrive. The meeting adjourned at 7:05 PM, leaving everyone energized for what's ahead.
GLOW Performance
We only had one GLOW performance. Deluxo gave a talk on his clown mission trip to Guatemala and thanked us for helping him with a small scholarship.
Program
Our program was such fun as we welcomed David Slick to our alley. David is an all-around performer with magic, juggling, unicycling, balancing and more. He even holds two world records in the Guinness Book of Records in the Juggling category. Tonight the subject was unicycling. He explained the techniques of riding …and falling and explained different techniques and purposes of different unicycles. Afterwards we all got to try a rolla bolla balance board and a unicycle with the help of David and his wife Amanda.
A Word from our Clown in Chief
We had April Fools' Day last week, and I can't believe we are in the fourth month already! Wow, how time is flying by!
In March, there was lots of fun performing and being a part of St. Patrick's Day events. Then, at the end of March, a lot of bunny egg hunts started, and they went through the whole first week of April as well. Bunny shows, Easter egg hunts, face painting, and spring balloons galore! I'm sure many people shared new face painting and balloon twisting ideas for Easter, and sharing is one of the great things about being a children's entertainer. Being a clown and/or a children's entertainer, we learn from others who share.
There are great points to sharing:
Sharing feels good — It's learning from someone else. It's a blessing to teach a balloon idea, and others learn it and like it!
Sharing makes us grateful — It’s a part of giving.
Sharing increases trust — One who is open-hearted.
Sharing makes life real — Learning something new that could be used in your life as an entertainer. Sharing means you are not alone — Your ideas can work with others' ideas, working it all together.
Think about entertaining as a clown magician. You need a helper, the helper learns from what you teach them or request from them. The laugh may be at you, but you are sharing the magic tricks with the star of the show (a kid/or adult). While sharing your performance, he/she is up there enjoying what you have to offer with laughs.
It takes more than just one person to get things done. Working together will make events go smoother and faster. We can all work together, share ideas, increase our creativity as individuals, and be a part of our artistic community — Clowns R Us!
President Tricia “Jolly” / “Hanky” Gregory
Calling All Clowns
A huge thank you goes out to alley members who volunteered at the Irving Recreation Center Easter Egg hunt. This is how we give back for the use of our monthly meeting space. Let's give a thunderous applause to those who represented us: Martha Warren, Wanda Jennings, Sarah Rosales, Tony Winiecki, Juliana Winiecki, Caleb Westeen, Sterling Beard, Tricia Gregory, Susan Keys.
It is not too late to sign up to volunteer at the Children's Cancer Fund Gala on Friday, April 17–3:30-6:30—Hilton Anatole, 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy (Wedgwood Ballroom) parking in lots 3 and 4.
Please complete the volunteer form here, and reference DFW Clowns "R" Us.
PERFORMERS WORKSHOP
Monday, May 11, 2026 - 6-8:30pm
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center - 530 Davis Dr, Irving, TX 75061
Just a little background: Traditionally, each May, the DFW clown alleys have come together to host an educational gathering and banquet. It's been a wonderful opportunity to connect, share, and learn alongside fellow clowns and family performers.
As times change, Clowns "R" Us is excited to begin a new tradition of our own. Each May, we will host a Performers Workshop featuring a special lecture from a selected prominent performer, and we'll invite all DFW family performers to attend.
Admission will be free for Clowns "R" Us members, while non-members may attend for a minimal fee of $15. And here's the fun part! Since $15 is also our annual membership dues, attendees can choose to apply that fee toward becoming a member!
See the flyer on the last page of this newsletter for more information.
April Program!
HOW TO CREATE PUPPETS OUT OF EVERYDAY OBJECTS AND INCORPORATE THEM INTO YOUR CLOWNING
Using items like wooden spoons, car wash mitts, and children's toys, Bonita Riley "perSNICKERty" will demonstrate how to use simple everyday objects as the starting base for PUPPETS!
She will bring previously created puppets as examples and will share how they can be used in Clown Skits, Parades, and Walk-arounds.
Following a short demonstration, a DIY Workshop will be held, and all attendees will be invited to create a Puppet! All supplies will be provided. Join in and create a new Clown Prop/Puppet to add to your Toybox of FUN!
TCA 2026 Convention
ToyBox...Outside of the Box FUN!
Hosted by Clowns “R” Us
August 12-16, 2026
The lid is about to pop open on something BIG. Time to dig into your ToyBox and bring out your best! Start gathering your costumes, polishing your skits, and getting those brilliant brains ready to learn, play, and share because the 2026 TCA Convention is just 4 months away!
Registration rates jump up on April 30th, so be sure to lock yours in soon. While you are at it, go ahead and reserve your hotel room so you have got a cozy place to recharge after all the fun.
The full schedule will be revealed in mid-April. It is packed with workshops, lectures, and surprises galore! So, stay in the loop as more goodies are added.
Regularly check out updates at www.texasclownassociation.com
To book your room use this link.
Book your group rate for Texas Clown Association August 2026
Headliner: Danny "Lanky" Kollaja
That's right! Danny “Lanky” Kollaja will be this year's headliner. He is bringing his one-of-a-kind energy, towering talent, and larger-than-life personality to center stage! Known for his wild antics, creative comedy, and heartwarming connection with audiences, Lanky doesn't just perform... he plays. And that's exactly what this convention is all about. We are rediscovering the joy of play, just like opening your favorite toybox and letting your imagination run free.
Lanky is one of us. He is a TCA member who lives in Corpus Christi but travels the globe with fairs and festivals and community celebrations. From the moment Lanky steps into the spotlight, you can expect surprises, laughter, and maybe even a few “how did he DO that?!” moments. Whether you are a seasoned performer or just love the art of clowning, his sessions and performances will leave you inspired, energized, and ready to think a little more outside the box.
Keep updated at www.texasclownassociation.com
