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Plans are progressing for the annual Emmett Kelly Clown Festival on April 25 in Houston. The day honors the late clown who went on to international fame in the circus, television and movies.
It also marks the first official Emmett Kelly Day in Missouri, which recognizes his roots to Houston. His first professional appearance was at the local Old Settlers Reunion in Houston.
Activities are sponsored by the City of Houston with help from a steering committee.
Here is the latest news:
Run
The “Running of the Clowns” is Saturday, April 25, beginning and ending at the Lone Star Plaza at Pine Street and Grand Avenue in Houston. It is a 5K run, as well as “fun run” for kids.
Check-in time is at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $30 for the 5K and $10 for kids. Registration is underway. There is a $100 cash prize and medal to the fastest male and female. A prize of $50 goes to the best-dressed clown. Prizes also will go to the fastest female and male in age categories, including children. There is no guarantee of a T-shirt if registering after March 12 or on race day.
The event is sponsored by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Register at https://houstonmo.recdesk.com/community/program
Parade
The festival parade, organized by the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, starts at 11 a.m. on festival day. Line-up occurs at 10 a.m. To enter, here is the form: https://bit.ly/3OoCbUr. Registration is required by noon Friday, April 24.
For more information, contact Kevin Stilley (417-217-5298), Chelsye Scantlin (417-217-5417) or Travis Witzemann (417-217-4225).
Classic vehicles entered in a show organized by the welding program at Houston High School will participate in the parade and park in downtown Houston after its conclusion. State Rep. Bennie Cook and Sen. Brad Hudson are the grand marshals. Houston’s Barbara White also will be in the parade, a recognition of her years of supporting the festival.
Windjammers
Windjammers Unlimited Inc., dedicated to the preservation and performance of traditional circus music, often referred to as “screamers” or antique circus marches, will perform 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday during the festival. About 30 musicians are involved.
While they are not a “clown band” in the sense of wearing clown makeup and performing slapstick, they are the premier musical group that plays live, authentic music to accompany clowns, acrobats and circus acts.
Movie night
Emmett Kelly Park is the 6:45 p.m. Friday venue for a movie whose cast includes Kelly, “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Live music, hot dogs and popcorn are planned. The 8 p.m. movie won five Academy Awards in 1953, including “best picture.” The 6 p.m. annual kindergarten circus at the Houston School District’s Hiett Gymnasium precedes the movie. It features students as the stars of the circus and is a crowd favorite.
Golf tournament
A “Send in the Clowns” golf tournament is April 18 at the Houston Municipal Golf Course. It is a two-person scramble. The cost is $100 per team. Cash prizes for Flight A and Flight B are $300 for first and $200 for second. The best dressed clown will receive $100.
Weary Willie chili-cookoff
It will occur on April 25 and is part of a statewide cook-off inspired by Kelly’s character, Weary Willie. The festival has partnered with the Shriners organization, which will send local winners from across the state and region to the contest.
Here are the competition categories and prizes: judge’s choice – best overall chili ($500), spiciest chili ($200), people’s choice chili ($200) and Weary Willie themed hobo chili ($200). The entry fee is $50 per team. Registration deadline is April 15. Teams must prepare at least two gallons of chili for competition and public tasting.
Questions or to enter, call the city’s economic development office at 417-217-4225 or email twitzemann@houstonmo.org.
Labor auction
Friends of the Houston FFA will hold a labor auction. The sale begins at 1 p.m. in downtown Houston. The labor can be used for farm work, household tasks or other assistance. There also will be some projects made by students that will be sold.
Quilt raffle
A quilt will be given away as part of a raffle. It will be displayed at Houston City Hall until the week before the festival. It was crafted by the Restorative Justice program at the South Central Correctional Center at Licking. Tickets are one for $5 or five for $20. Proceeds go to a Youth Fine Arts Scholarship.
Business contest
Organizers announced an Emmett Kelly Day decorating contest for businesses in Houston. Merchants can win a first-place prize of $100 cash and a $100 restaurant gift certificate. The Houston Herald also will provide $200 in free advertising.
Businesses should enter by April 25. Judging occurs that day.
To learn more, contact Travis Witzemann at 417-217-4225 or email twitzemann@houstonmo.org.
Car show
Organized by the welding program at Houston High School, the contest raises funds for the Piney River Technical Center class.
Here is the schedule:
- 7:30 a.m. registration at Grand Avenue and Main Street in downtown Houston.
- 8:15 a.m. judging.
- 11 a.m. parade cruise
Awards will be made immediately after the parade. The cars will be on display on Grand Avenue after the parade. First-place trophies will go to all categories plus best in show.
Barbecue food will be for sale.
Silent auction and art
Donated Kelly Sr. memorabilia will be on display at the Texas County Library at First and Pine streets. High school art to commemorate Kelly Day also can be viewed.
Book sale
The Texas County Library system will hold a book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25 at the Houston Storm Shelter.
Other notes
There also will be vendor booths, live music, a petting zoo, pony rides, ax throwing and a free rock-climbing wall (both located on West Main Street) and additional family activities on festival day. The Houston chamber will sponsor a demolition derby that evening at its fairgrounds.
Terry Wayne Sanders, a Mountain Grove native, will perform. For 47 years, he has entertained in the Branson area.
Vendor booth information and an application is available at downtownhoustonmo.org.
