History of Clownfest

Clownfest History

Where do clowns come from? They are born of a loving heart and a desire to bring happiness and joy to others. Mr. Gene Fantini ran a little restaurant in Asbury Park, NJ and he loved those clown folk and collected clown dolls and other clown collectibles. The local newspaper carried an article about his shop. Vincent A. Pagliano read about him and they struck up a friendship. Gene convinced the Greater Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce to support the first clown event in 1981, the "Garden State Clown Convention", with Vince as the originating producer. That became the "Asbury Park Festival of Clowns"
and then onto finally becoming "Clownfest".

The NJ State Assembly sanctioned it as the official clown competition in the state around 1984. The event moved to Seaside Heights where it found a permanent home in 1989. Along the way a non-profit corporation was formed with the help of, former trustee, Fred Collins. Today the "National Clown Arts Project, Inc.", formed in 1987, is the backbone of Clownfest. Vincent A. Pagliano serves as Chairman of the NCAP, Inc. along with his family. Clownfest has grown to be the grandest clown event in the world. It is completely different from any other clown event anywhere and has many unique features. Clownfest brings both the clowns and the general public together for a great time of FUN.

Prior to the weekend events the clowns meet for three and a half days of training in the clown arts. There is something for everyone from the first time novice to the seasoned clown professional. Everyone is sure to take away some juicy new ideas to enhance their clowning with over 30 speakers and over 45 classes and workshops. Designed into Clownfest are great FUN times too. Lots of education and lots of FUN. It's an "edu-vention".
Clownfest has coined that phrase and we live by it.

Clownfest is an original and is the only clown event to mix clowns and the general public. This great event features hundreds of clowns from all over the nation, Puerto Rico and Canada. One aspiring clown is coming from Sweden to take part this year. The mix of clown shows and events along the boardwalk is unique. The "Clownfest Big Top Circus" and the "Clownfest Boardwalk Clown Parade" are on display before the general public. This is the biggest parade of it's kind anywhere. Over twenty thousand spectators are in attendance yearly.

There are fun events like the "Family Fun Frolic" where clowns are on the beach to play beach games with the children; and "Dash for the Noses" with clowns going through a gauntlet of wild antics to win their prized nose on the beach. See the fun "Clown Kazoo Band" on Saturday as they present a humdinger concert while marching on the boards. Add to this a huge fireworks display on Saturday night and you'll see a festival that is unequaled any where.

To add to the fun this year "Clownfest Big Top Circus" will offer three shows daily at moderate family prices on Saturday and Sunday.

Chairman and producer, Vincent A. Pagliano, also known as "VAPPO the Clown", of the National Clown Arts Project, Inc. said, "It is always our promise that Clownfest will have some extra special events for children of all ages". Pagliano has performed and produced shows all over the country and around the world in Canada, Puerto Rico, Morocco, Singapore, Malaysia and Jamaica.