Clowning around is a past-time and a passion
"We all like to laugh, we all like to smile, and that's the goal of our organization," said Desiree Davis.
She is the vice president of the Jolly Jesters, a nonprofit Christian clown organization that started in Erie in 1975.
Davis is a clown herself, going by the name Dizzy
"If you come with a good heart, a sense of humor and concern for the community, we will teach you," said Davis. "We can teach you juggling. If you want to learn balloons. We teach face-painting, parade-ability."
Engagement is the main objective of paradeability. It's all about creating smiles and laughter, according to Davis.
Camille Federoff became a clown 48 years ago and is known as Feathers.
She and her five children became the Silly Six within the Jolly Jesters.
"We have a real bond there," said Federoff. "That really bonded us together in the sad time in our life."
She is now 84 years old
"You may be having a sad time, but if you stop thinking about yourself and bringing joy to others, it helps you overcome by making other people feel good," said Federoff.
While she has evolved over time, so have her costumes.
"I actually have 9 other outfits," said Federoff. "Depending on what I'm doing or where I'm going will depend on what I'm lined up wearing."
Bright and oversized costumes are the go-to.
"There are actually professionals that design and make clown wardrobes from clowns that have retired," said Robin Fahey.
Fahey is a longtime clown known as Boo Boo.
"Every clown will pick his own name and identity and put together a wardrobe and makeup, and it reflects their personality," said Fahey.
Boo Boo apparently is always tripping up.
Peter Smith takes pride in being a clown. He went to clown school in 2008.
"I went to Eriesistible Clowns, [which] at that time was the Erie Clowns," said Smith. "They were established in the early '60s, and they had just a group of people. They got volunteers together, and they built this wonderful building we have around us now."
The Erie Clown building on Kelso Dr. in Millcreek Township is where props are kept and clowns from the Eriesistible and the Jolly Jesters collaborate as the number of local clowns have dwindled.