Plans are progressing for the annual Emmett Kelly Sr. 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:
Running of the Clowns
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 8 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
To learn more email Robbie Mortensen, park director, at rmortensen@houstonmo.org or phone 417-260-1155.
Festival 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.
Windjammers coming to town
Windjammers Unlimited Inc., dedicated to the preservation and performance of traditional circus music, often referred to as “screamers” or antique circus marches, will perform Saturday during the festival.
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 in the park
Emmett Kelly Park is the Friday venue for a movie whose cast includes Kelly, “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The 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 has students as 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.
Chili cook-off
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.
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.
Other notes
There also will be vendor booths, live music, a petting zoo, pony rides, a rock-climbing wall and additional family activities on festival day. The Houston chamber will sponsor a demolition derby that evening. Additional details will be announced soon.
Vendor booth information and an application is available at downtownhoustonmo.org.
An organizing committee met Tuesday, Feb. 18, to continue work on the day.