Clowns at Seafair try to keep audience's fears at bay

By J.J. Jensen
Seattle Times staff reporter

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Now in their 51st year, the Seattle Seafair Clowns, a group of about 70 Seattle University graduates who volunteer at parades, festivals, hospitals and day camps, can usually tell when someone's scared of clowns. Their radar will come in handy during the next few weeks as they participate in more than 30 community events and festivities in conjunction with Seafair, Puget Sound's annual summer celebration, running this year from Saturday through Aug. 8.

While the Seafair clowns have had their share of notorious high jinks in the past, such as driving the wrong direction on downtown streets and crashing political rallies, they say there's not much fear factor in their shtick these days.

"Our motto is 'sharing and caring and laughter,' " said Miss Chievious, aka assistant chairman Dave Domholt, a 1982 Seattle U grad. "Reach out and touch a clown. Give your local clown a hug."

Veteran Seafair clowns, some as old as 80 who have participated since the group was founded in 1953, tell newbies, usually in their early 20s, to be constantly lighthearted and jovial. The old-timers suggest developing a routine, like juggling or making balloon animals, and lead workshops about how to handle different situations.

During parades, for example, they tell novice clowns to always be scanning the crowds. If someone's pulling away or hiding, let them be. If a youngster is cautiously approaching, give him or her a button or candy so next time they'll feel more free to respond. And if a laughing mom or dad is pushing a scared child toward them, don't reach out.

If members don't feel a rookie clown can handle hospital situations or scared kids, they don't have that clown back for a second year.

Domholt said he recognizes some people have a deep-seated fear of clowns, but he reminds them that underneath the makeup and honking noses they are doctors, insurance salesmen and Microsoft employees who donate to charities and promote the city.

"Many people still have a community spirit that's not often there anymore," Domholt said. "Many times these days it's a lot of 'me situations,' but I know 70 guys who are willing to give back to the community."

J.J. Jensen: 206-464-2761 or jjensen@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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