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"Together... bringing Clowning into the 21st Century." National Clown Arts Project, Inc.
_____________________________ Mission Statement The National Clowns Arts Project, Inc. is committed to representing the "clown arts" at the highest level. We will provide clowns from around the world a platform of learning and sharing of their own which will be connected to the community through performances, education and an integrated arts program Clownfest TM Clownfest began as the "Garden State Clown Convention" in 1981 on the boardwalk of Asbury Park. Vincent A. Pagliano produced the event in conjunction with the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce. It was a huge success right from the beginning bringing the colorful clowns together with the community at the ocean. In time it was renamed the "Asbury Park Festival of Clowns"The National Clown Arts Council, Inc. was formed in 1987. A new name took form and was trademarked as "Clownfest". This grand event moved in 1988 and has found a home in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. In 1996 there was a new name for the non profit corporation that Pagliano now oversees with his family, it is the "National Clown Arts Project, Inc.". Seaside Heights has been the only town in the nation to continually perpetuate and support the art of clowning through this annual national clown event. Clownfest receives the support of the Seaside Heights Business Improvement District, Inc. and the Township of Seaside Heights. This unique event not only brings the clowns together with the community but it allows them to be clowns for a day in the big boardwalk Clownfest Parade. There are three divisions of kiddie clowns and one division of amateur clowns that are allowed to lead the parade. The parade is the culmination of a week long learning process by the clowns and it brings the clowns out to perform and interact with the people. Many families mark their calendars and wait in anticipation for the event that has become the highlight of the summer season. There are sure to be folks, who as children took part in this event, are now bringing their own children to enjoy the merriment in Seaside Heights. "Clownfest 2008" will mark the twenty-seventh year of this special national clown event Vince A. Pagliano, Chairman, NCAP, Inc. |