Preparation is key

Check out the Lecture schedule. Plan out which lectures you want to attend and what buildings they are
located in.

Map the route between buildings. Getting from one to the other is not difficult but when you are in a hurry one wrong turn could make you miss some important information. If you are not sure then ask if you could walk with someone else that has been there before. You could make a new friend.

Check out the dealer lists and see what each is selling. Plan a strategy of which dealers to hit on each day. If you are buying anything that needs to match an existing costume, bring it or a picture of it, with you or clip a peace of cloth from an inside seam to help match colors. If you have a prop that you are looking to add to and you can't bring it then take a picture of yourself holding it, to use as reference when buying accessories.

Plan your buying budget. Decide how much you plan on spending. Remember it is easy to lose cash when traveling; so keep it secure. Most dealers acccept credit cards. There is an ATM machine across from the Aztec and 2 more within walking distance.

Check the weather, It can be unpredictable down the shore and it could range from cold and wet to sunny and warm during the week, so bring a range of clothing for cold or warm weather. Layered clothing works best because the temperature could swing from cold to hot and back again each day.

Bring comfortable walking shoes. There's so much to see and do at Clownfest and the 1/2 mile long boardwalk is fun to walk, as are so many other attractions. You wont want to have hurting feet at by end of the day.

Bring cloths that you can get messy in. Some of the events at Clownfest can be messy fun. Pack some clothes that you can get wet and dirty and be prepared to join the fun.

Be prepared for the lectures you will be attending. You want to remember what you learned so you should bring a notebook and pens or your laptop. *You can also bring a tape recorder, just remember to ask the lecturer for permission first. Bring any equipment you might need like balloons to a balloon lecture or juggling equipment to a juggling demonstration. You might get hungry during a long run of lectures so you will need snacks. You'll want to stay away from noisy snacks like potato chips or anything in a cellophane bag that will make noise and distract others. Also remember a drink to wash it down. Think about bringing a gym bag or backpack to carry all of this in.

Keep the memories. Don't forget the camera and film, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Take the time to try new things. Attend a facepainting lecture and see if it might work for you. Check out the makeup demo and see what's new, you might discover something that will make you look even better. Even veteran clowns can learn something by keeping their minds and options open.

Respecting the Lecturers Time. Lecturers have alot of information to get across during their sessions, so please save all personal comments, questions or discussions till after their talk. The lecturers spend the entire week at clownfest and are happy to discuss clowning issues as their schedules permit.

Remember Your not alone. When we get together with friends, like we do every year at clownfest, we sometimes forget that we are not alone in the room. If you want to have a discussion with friends during a lecture please move outside.

Most important of all... Don't get voted off the island.