Clown Chronicles: June 2025
Happenings from the June Meeting
The alley meeting on June 9th was called to order at 6:42pm at Georgia Farrow Recreation Center in Irving presided by President Cinde Sanders. We started with a shared moment. Martha's chickens are busy laying eggs and Cinde's summer magic camps are off to a good start.
There were some new faces in the crowd. John Rank is back after a 10-year clowning hiatus. He previously performed Christian clowning with his two daughters — one now in Carrollton, the other a missionary in Chile. Welcome back, John! Ed Gunsalus officially joined last week — great to have you aboard! Wanda Jennings just moved from Idaho and joined us this evening. Welcome, Wanda! Caleb Westeen, also known as Cinde's "right-hand man," is a magician and electrician and is excited to learn more about clown.
The minutes and treasurers' report from last month were approved by general acclimation. Minutes Approved: Motioned by Maggie Clauder at 6:51 PM and approved by general acclimation.
TCA Convention News: The convention is September 11-14 in Fort Worth. Register soon—only about 15 are registered so far and rates have increased, but day rates are available. Events include:
Firefighter show
Boy Scout flag ceremony
TCA ice cream social
New workshop instructors this year
Optional CPR training on Sunday.
4th of July Parade, Arlington: Theme “Shining Bright at 65” for 60th anniversary. DFW Clowns on float by William Beaty and sister. Met 6:30 AM for decorating, parade started 9:00 AM, with a decorating deadline of 7:30 AM for judging.
Float features hay bales, no candy throwing, walking entertainment welcome. Ideas: clear umbrella, balloon twisting, puppets.
Motion passed: up to $400 for registration and decorations (motioned by Weebo, seconded by Martha).
Sterling’s motion to purchase banner (pending price check) approved.
TCA Convention Focus Group: Cinde shared updates. Attendance down at clown/magician conventions, hosting financially risky. Focus group survey created, members encouraged to participate.
GLOW Reminder: Full costume optional, share passion through book report, song, skit, etc.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM, program introduced by Darren Collins.
A Word from our Clown in Chief
Broaden Your Horizons: Grow Your Clown Toolkit!
Being a clown is more than having a red nose and big shoes. It is about bringing joy, surprise, and wonder to your audience. But how do you keep your clowning fresh and exciting? One word: GROWTH!
The best clowns are always learning. They take time to explore new skills, attend live performances, and say yes to opportunities that stretch their talents. Have you ever thought about learning a little magic? Picking up some juggling tricks? Or maybe even trying out puppetry, storytelling, or balloon art? These added skills don't replace your clown character, they enhance it!
Watching live theatre, circuses, or comedy shows can also spark new ideas. Pay attention to pacing, audience interaction, or the way performers use silence and stillness. Even a single clever gesture or emotional beat can inspire a new routine or refresh an old favorite.
Workshops, classes, and conventions are perfect places to dive deeper. You don't need to become a master magician or world-class juggler overnight. Just be curious. Start small. Practice often. And always stay open to new creative paths.
Broadening your horizons helps you become a richer, more dynamic performer. And the more tools you have in your clown bag, the more unforgettable moments you can create.
Be bold. Be curious. Be growing.
Clnde "Boopsie" Sanders
Local Live Shows and Workshop Opportunities—July-September
Texas Clown Association Convention — September 11-14
Magic in the Living Room — the first Tuesday of each month — 7pm
Improv Arlington — Family magic and comedy show — Saturday afternoons
Improv Addison — Family magic and comedy show — Saturday afternoons
TAOM (Texas Association of Magicians) — Showcase conference — August 29-31
Ft Worth Magic Club show — Saturday, July 12 — 7pm — 3917 McCart Ave, Fort Worth
Magistrorium — mentalism and magic convention — Sept 18-21
July Program
Our next meeting is back at the Georgia Farrow Rec Center (530 Davis Drive, Irving, TX 75061), 6:30-8:30 PM!
We are so blessed to have such talented clowns in our own alley. We have quite a treat waiting for you at the July meeting. Our own Susan Keys aka “Dubble Bubble” and Ed Fitzgerald aka “Buckle” will present a program on CLOWN WALKAROUNDS.
Clown walkaround refers to a style of performance where a clown interacts with an audience while moving through a space such as a parade route or a crowds at a festival. This involves using props, exaggerated movements, and comedic Interactions to entertain and engage viewers. The clown walk around is a dynamic and versatile performance style, allowing for improvisation and audience connection. You are welcome to bring your own ideas and props that you use (or want to use) for walkarounds. This would be a great GLOW opportunity.
GLOW!!!!!
Don't forget to do a solo or group performance for the Alley during the meeting this month.
Clowns “R” Us in the Arlington July 4th Parade
Thank you to Wee-bo, Sherri, Deluxo, Mary Kent, Lisa and Paige. We were small but mighty. Wee-bo and Deluxo made the news.
Arlington July 4th Parade, “Shining Bright since 65” Diamond Jubilee.
This year the parade went on without a hitch! We were worried we'd get rained out, but the weather turned out nice and cool!!!! We had a small group this year, but some of our strongest players!!!!! Wee-Bo, his sister Lisa, niece Paige, Mary Kent, Willie "Deluxo" Thomas III, and Sherri "Petunia" Myers all joined us for the parade this year! We had a blast! Lisa and Paige pulled the trailer, Mary Kent was a huge hit with her massive bubbles! Deluxo was our MC on the mic, and very well done, promoting our alley! Also, Petunia was in clown, and our biggest cheerleaderer!
As we hit each announcement station they said this statement: "We are DFW Clowns ‘R’ Us! We are committed to advancing the art of clowning in a family-oriented atmosphere. We help artists achieve new performance levels through education, networking, and community support. Follow us on Facebook, and check out our new website!"
It all begins with fun. Why else would we be clowns?! Alley meetings are a great way to have, well... FUN! Join us at our next meeting to see what we mean!---from our website.
Also, Bernie Throwbridge printed out custom banners for the trailer with our website, and URL going straight to it. He did this very last minute, so huge thank you to him! Rudy Rosales also printed out punch cards with all our info to hand out before the parade. Huge thank you to him as well!!!! My biggest hope is that this parade reached out to people that would possibly want to be a clown, and join our alley! We were also broadcast on CBS 11 news!
I can't wait to see what next year brings!
---Wee-Bo---
