International Clown Hall of Fame to Open Doors on May 21.
ENTER LAUGHING!
Baraboo’s International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center Opens For Funny Business On Friday, May 21, 2010
Baraboo, WI (April 29, 2010) — The world’s foremost organization dedicated to the preservation of the art, craft and history of clowning will open its doors in Baraboo on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 10 am. The International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center is located at 102 4th Avenue in historic Downtown Baraboo, the city that gave birth to Ringling Bros. Circus.
“Over the past four months we’ve been involved in the happy task of sorting and cataloguing the world’s largest archive of clown artifacts,†says Greg DeSanto, Executive Director of the Hall. “From the cash box built by August Ringling for his sons’ very first circus performance to the scrapbooks of legendary circus clowns such as Poodles Hanneford, Mark Anthony, the Sherman Brothers to authentic vaudeville contracts, personal effects, costumes, props and correspondence of some of the greatest funnymen on earth, it is our honor and privilege to preserve this priceless resource.â€
“The clowns who left their professional lives in our care loved their work and their careers, opening their hearts to audiences on a daily basis. We are extremely excited to be able to share these artifacts and the fascinating stories behind them.â€
In addition to the priceless archives, visitors will see a clowning “Wall of Fame,†honoring the exceptional group of international funny folk who have been enshrined in the Hall.
“The ICHOF has been embraced by the Baraboo community in every sense of the word,†DeSanto adds. “Without the support of downtown businesses, local government officials, circus fans and enthusiasts and friends, this opening would have never happened.â€
The Clown Hall of Fame will be open six days a week from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for children and seniors. Rates for groups are also available.
For further information, call (608-355-0321) or visit the Hall’s website at www.theclownmuseum.com
“We are honored to join the Circus World Museum and the Al Ringling Theater as key spokes in Baraboo’s celebrated wheel of circus history,†DeSanto concludes. “We look forward to welcoming you to the legends of laughter.â€