The Clown Chronicles: January ‘26
Our Annual Banquet Grows!
In January of 2025, we gathered in true alley style with a fun and cozy get-together at the Sanders home for our Annual Awards and Officer Installation Banquet.
There was chili (and all the fixins'), strolling magic by Dal Sanders, lots of laughter, and plenty of fond memories as we looked back on a wonderful year together.
Well... this year our alley has grown by leaps and bounds. Because of that growth, we are taking the celebration on the road. Join us this year at On the Border, located at 1220 Market Place in Irving, Texas. We will have a private room all to ourselves with plenty of space to spread out, visit, laugh, and celebrate everything we have accomplished in 2025.
The cost is $25 per person at the door, which covers everything: delicious fajitas served family-style, awards, officer installation, and just to keep things exciting, a fun surprise professional entertainment show! Come hungry, come happy, and come ready to celebrate our growing alley and another fantastic year together. We can't wait to see you there!
A Word from our Clown in Chief
It Takes an Ensemble
It takes an ensemble to bring a show to life, and clowning is no different. Though we step into the spotlight one at a time, none of us arrive there alone. We rise because of the people who steady us, encourage us, and applaud our growth along the way.
As this marks my final month serving as President of our Clown Alley, I've been reflecting on just how powerful that ensemble has been for me. This alley has been a place where ideas were encouraged, risks were supported, and mistakes were met with laughter and learning. It's where clowns of all experience levels showed up for one another. Sometimes we share advice, sometimes we just listen, but we always share a smile.
That sense of community is what a Clown Alley is all about and is what keeps our art alive. We rise because someone steadies the ladder. We grow because someone believes in us enough to say, "Try it again" or maybe "You could try it this way". We continue performing because our ensemble reminds us why we started in the first place. That might be different for different clowns, but for me it is because of the love of the ART of Clowning and Performance. And even more important... the friendships it has brought me for a lifetime.
Thank you for being part of my cast during this chapter. I look forward to continuing cheering on our incredible alley ensemble as we continue to lift one another and our art higher than ever.
With gratitude and a red nose full of pride
Cinde "Boopsie" Sanders
The Texas Clown Association Convention
The TCA Convention will be held on August 12-16, 2026 at the Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport Hotel – 4545 John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, Texas hosted by DFW Clowns “R” Us.
The TCA Convention does not just magically appear. It is built by clowns just like you! Planning the next convention is your chance to jump in, share your talents, and help shape an event filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable moments. DFW Clowns “R” Us has volunteered to host the 2026 TCA Convention and we need YOUR help.
Planning a convention is not just for a few brave souls. It is a chance for all of us to share our talents and make the magic happen. Whether you love decorating, organizing events, managing registrations, designing programs, or wrangling performers, there is a committee with your name on it. Serving on a committee (or leading one!) is also one of the best ways to connect, learn, and be part of the heart of our organization.
Even small tasks make a huge impact. Folding programs, setting up games, gathering auction items, and stuffing goody bags, are all important to the process and adds to the joy of the convention. Plus, volunteering is a great way to meet fellow clowns, learn new skills, and maybe even find a new magic trick or two.
If you have ever said, “I’d love to help,” this is your moment. So Step right up, bring your ideas, your energy, and your creativity, and help us make the next Texas Clown Association Convention the best one yet.
Our first meeting will be on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 5:30pm at the IHOP, 1801 N Beltline Road, Irving, Texas. We will split up into committees, learn the theme, decide on pricing and much, much more. Please come and join the process.
