(Editor’s note: This story is from 2008 – apparently several readers are reviewing what occurred at last year’s festival, sending this archived story to one of the most viewed on the Web site. The sponsor of the event, the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, announced earlier it was abandoning the event).
The Houston Area Chamber of Commerce announced details of this year’s annual Emmett Kelly Clown Festival this week. The annual event, which honors the world-famous circus clown who was raised on a farm east of Houston, is in its 21st year.
The activities are held in and around downtown Houston, and it is one of the largest festivals in south-central Missouri.
This year’s fare includes a clown school from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the community building at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds.
Dozens of activities fill the two-day event on May 2-3.
Friday’s evening activities begin at 5 p.m. with several musical performances.
On Saturday, vendors will line Grand Avenue. Many activities are planned.
They include:
9 a.m. – Houston FFA chapter petting zoo and kindergarten circus at Hiett Gymnasium.
9:45 a.m. – Caboodlestoppers perform at the main stage.
10:30 a.m. – Cross Between, a Christian band, performs.
11 a.m. – Kelly’s grandson, Joey, and his family will entertain at the Lone Star Plaza.
11 a.m. – Coaster cars compete for prizes on a steep hill in front of Hiett Gymnasium.
11:30 a.m. – Super Starz Extreme and Houston Gymnastics perform.
Noon – Rock Creek Band are on the main stage.
1 p.m. – Caboodlestoppers.
1:30 p.m. – The Animal Shelter of Texas County sponsors weiner dog races in front of the county courthouse.
2 p.m. – Kelly performs again.
2:30 p.m. – A pie-eating contest on the main stage.
3 p.m. – Clowns and other entries participate in the annual parade in downtown Houston.
3:30 p.m. – Forbes’ Pharmacy’s clown competition at the Lone Star Plaza.
4 p.m. – Caboodlestoppers perform.
A full midway in downtown Houston is planned. Armbands cost $12 in advance. The regular price is $15.
A special tabloid will appear in next week’s Herald.