NDSF: Clown Contest - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

NDSF: Clown Contest

The theme for this year's parade was Clowning Around, but it the fun didn't stop with the parade.
Earlier today, clowns competed to see who could clown around the most.

The Jukebox Junkie Stage was very colorful this afternoon during the Clown Contest.
This is the 32nd annual competition for clowns.
Judges were on site to rate the clowns' performances.
Clowns were welcome to participate in one or all four of the contests--the categories were Parade, Make-Up, Balloon, and best skit.
Audience participation was taken into consideration--the clowns received points based on the amount of laughter that came from the audience.
Competition coordinator, Ken Gillespie, says the object of the completion is simple.

(Ken Gillespie, Dizzy the Clown)"It's something that you work for all year.  You come out here and try to show your stuff and try to be the best clown you can be and win a trophy."

All clowns were welcome to participate in the contest--even young clowns.
The competition was split into junior and senior divisions.
One competitor says she finds the most joy in making others happy with her performances.

(Deanna Hartmier, Dee Dee)"I love being a clown.  I love the feeling I get when I'm there to help somebody an put a smile on their face--even just driving down the street.  And the biggest thrill or me is when I have someone who's afraid of clowns, that turns around and says 'I'm no longer afraid of clowns.'"

The clowns with the most points went on to receive plaques for their performances.