Testimonials
From Ana Maria
Thanks to the Parade, I discovered my second career (well, I'm really not into it full time). So let's just say I discovered my retirement career! I first joined Children's in July of 2000 and became interested in volunteering for the Parade as a clown. I volunteered that year, and I got my first red sponge nose - ah, yes, as well as a multicolored wire wig!! And a real clown face and my own costume!! (that looked like 100 other clowns). But the most memorable experience of it all was getting on the train with those other 100 clowns and seeing the faces of both young kids and adults, beaming with joy. The train passengers were so excited to ride with the clowns. It was awesome! As we walked to our destination from the Union depot, we must have taken what seemed like 1000 Kodak moments! Everyone wanted a photo with the clowns, and the parade had not even started! So needless to say, I got hooked. After a couple of years as a volunteer, I became acquainted with the wonderful volunteer "professional" clowns who helped put on our makeup. The more I heard them sharing their clown stories and "corny" jokes, the more I became interested in learning more about this "art." I joined a clown alley, then went to clown school (Yes, I am an official clown), then on to conventions!! Eight years later, I continue to clown on the side for my church ministry, with my clown alley volunteer functions, and have had a couple of real "paying" gigs. But it's more fun to just volunteer - no pressure!! At the Children's Parade, I have now been promoted from street clown to Block Head… I mean Block Captain. Sooo… there's my story and I'm sticking to it. But wait, got one quick story: Did you hear about the guy who tried working for an orange juice factory? He got canned because he couldn't concentrate. Then he tried working as a tailor but he couldn't cut it; he was so-so… Then he tried to work at a muffler shop, but it was just to exhausting. …Shall I go on????
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