A local organization is sponsoring a “meet and greet” event for local residents to learn more about the life of the world-famous clown whose start began in Houston.
The event, sponsored by Houston Community Foundation, will be held in conjunction with the annual Emmett Kelly Clown Festival, which is the last Saturday of April annually.
Houston Community Foundation is hosting the event on Friday, April 25, at the Lone Star Annex, 114 W. Main St., in Houston.
The public will meet Stasia Kelly, daughter of Emmett Kelly Sr., and Chris Berry, a circus historian. They will share valuable history in pictures and videos about the hometown boy who became famous as “Weary Willie.”
“As a community, we will also discuss with them opportunities afforded us to honor Emmett throughout Houston such as the historical marker that will be revealed on the day of the festival, a planned bench sculpture of Emmett spearheaded by Downtown Houston Inc., a designated day of the year for Emmett Kelly in Missouri and tourism ideas to not only grow our festival, but to create ideas for people to visit Houston,” said Brenda Senter, a festival organizer.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments and a program at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact Ross Richardson, foundation president, at 817-403-7203. The foundation supports activities that better the community and offers several scholarships. It also works with individuals who want to create funds that help the town. Often, that is done with estate planning.
