Attend the Emmett Kelly Clown Festival slated for April 26 in Houston, Missouri. The event celebrates the life of Emmett Kelly Sr., the world-famous clown who was raised on a farm east of Houston. Numerous activities are planned, including a parade at 11 a.m. in downtown Houston on Grand Avenue and a classic car show organized by the Houston High School welding program. Organizer Brenda Senter said several events for all ages are planned. She also is seeking volunteers.
🚗 CAR SHOW
Registration starts at 8 a.m. at Grand Avenue and Main Street. Awards will be distributed at 12:30 p.m. There will be first-place trophies for each category, best of show and fan favorite. A barbecue plate will be offered.
🥳 PARADE
Persons are invited to participate in the 11 a.m. parade. Area Shriners are expected for the spectacle and to participate in clown competitions. There are awards for best clown skit, best duet clown skit, best group skit and best costume with character.
🤹♀️ LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST
There will be an Emmett Kelly look-alike contest for children ages 5-12 and teens 13-19.
🏃♀️🏃 5K RUN
Check-in begins at 8 a.m. from the Lone Star Plaza at 1st and Pine streets. Race start time is 9 a.m. Children start at 8:45. Prizes will be awarded from a downtown stage at 9:15 a.m. To register: https://houstonmo.recdesk.com/Community/Program. The entry fee is $25 until March 31; $30 until April 12; and $35 from April 13 to race day. (No guarantee of T-shirt if registering after April 12.) The fun run is $10 through April 12 and $15 from April 13 to race day. There are $100 cash prizes for fastest female runner and male runner. Prizes are planned for fastest female and male in age categories, including children. For questions — call Robbie Mortensen, Parks Director, at 417-260-1155 or rmortensen@houstonmo.org.
🎫 QUILT RAFFLE
The restorative justice program at the South Central Correctional Center at Licking has crafted a quilt that will be raffled. It is displayed on The Corner at Pine Street and Grand Avenue.
🎨 ART COMPETITION
The Houston Art Club will display Kelly artwork at Forbes Pharmacy at Grand Avenue and 1st Street. Prizes will be awarded for the best pieces. Houston High School students are engaged in a contest to design the 5K T-shirts. Prizes will be awarded to the best.
🎭 SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
Kelly’s daughter, Stasia, and Chris Berry, a circus historian with the Circus Historical Society, are slated to do presentations at the Houston School District on Friday, April 25.
👯♀️🎹 ENTERTAINMENT
Here is the roundup of entertainment planned:
- Kirk Pierce, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
- clown competitions, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- The STARS Foundation, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
- Houston Tigers Jazz Band, 1:15 to 1:45 p.m.
- Chrome 45, 2 to 4 p.m.
📷🤡 OTHER ACTIVITIES
A photograph opportunity with clowns at the stage is 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. A meet and greet event with Kelly’s daughter, Stasia, and Berry is at The Corner from 2 to 3 p.m. Bouncy houses are available 9 to 5 p.m.
The annual kindergarten circus — a festival favorite — is 6 to 7 p.m., Friday night, April 25, on Hiett Gymnasium on the Houston Schools campus.
The STARS Foundation is performing “Alice in Wonderland” Friday and Saturday night at the Melba Performing Arts Center on Grand Avenue.
🤝📋 VENDING OPPORTUNITIES
There is still room for vendors. Contact organizer Brenda Senter at hisel1970@yahoo.com or call 918-527-6282.