CLOWNING AROUND ALLOWED!

I have often been called a buffoon and now I have a chance to “officially” be one!

Years ago, my company did the public relations for the Thanksgiving Parade. Back then it was sponsored by the Brach’s candy company and traveled down Michigan Avenue. Now it is called the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade and goes down State Street. This account was so much fun; we should have paid them. I am honored that the parade organizers respected my work so much that they still send me 8 VIP tickets every year to watch the parade from a special reviewing stand on State Street. My view might be different this year, if I decide to become a member of the inaugural Chicago Clown Corps.


Phil Purevich, Executive Director of Chicago Festivals (www.chicagofestivals.org), has created the most clever way to let “regular people” became a part of the parade festivities. He has inaugurated the Chicago Clown Corps., where for $1500, anyone can become a clown (my third grade teacher would say I already was one!) and march in the parade. Here is what your money gets you:



BENEFITS:


--Professional Training by a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown


- Customized Clown Suit including big shoes and red nose


- 4 Tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Barnum’s FUNundrum!


including chance to perform in “Clown Alley” during the show


- 3 VIP Experience Passes to the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade and much,much more!


Being a fashion maven, the thought of having a customized clown suit hanging in my closet is quite exciting! What about the clown shoes? My Manolos would be jealous!

The parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th and runs from 8am - 11am. The route it follows is north on State Street from the Congress to Randolph. Because both WGN-TV and WGN America cover the parade in its entirety and lots of other media will be present, this is a real chance for the fame I desperately crave!

I once got to play Illinois Lottery ball number 11 at the 10 year anniversary party of the inception of the lottery. That was fun; but being a clown? Even more fun!

Purevich, told me, “This is a chance for every grown up to realize their childhood dream of running off and joining the circus!” If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the Clown Corps., he can be reached at (312) 235-2216 or philip.purevich@chicagofestivals.org.

If I become a clown, how will anyone recognize me under all the make-up and costume? Because I am not a politician and the Diet Coke can in my hand.