Member C.O.A.I.  Alley #189

On May 1st, 1989, twenty-one clowns from three clown units of Elks, Shrine, and Telephone Pioneer Court Jesters assembled to the Korn Patch Klowns, chartered as Alley 189 of the Clowns of America International (C.O.A.I).  The original chartered members where Charles Johnson, Robert Schell, Jerry King, Sandy Molin, Charis Potter, Helen Zelle, Barb Boatright, Deloris Brees, Mark Dearden, Patricia & Earnst Bunch, Pauline Oline, Phil & Amy Joe Tiedeman, C.R. Mumma, Mary Karwatt, Joyce Klein, and Ed & Shirley Law.

Meetings were held at various public locations such as libraries and restaurants.  Finally in 1994 a "home" meeting place was located at the Best Western Starlite Village in downtown Des Monies.  In January of 2002 meetings were moved once again, this time to Country Kitchen restaurant on the north side of Des Monies.

After attending Clown Camp at LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 1990, Charles "Cholly" Johnson (first president) started teaching a "Beginning Basic Clown Course" through the Des Moines Adult Education Program.  Many KPK members were trained as "Cholly's Clowns" or have sought training on their own at regional/national conventions or workshops.

On December 12, 1991, the Alley was incorporated as a non-profit organization with the State of Iowa under the direction and signatures of Lewis & Sally Workman.

Some of the many community events the Alley has participated in are:  Proclamation of National Clown Week, Drake Relays Parade, State Fair Parade, Independence Day parades, school fun night activities, and various charitable fundraisers.  Activities have included parades, balloon sculpting, stage shows, hospital, nursing home, & day care visits, and "walk-arounds" providing lots of smiles and fun.  Alley sanctioned events have been covered by liability insurance for all participating members since 1995.

In pursuit of furthering educational opportunities, the Alley has sponsored workshops of nationally qualified instructors such as: David Ginn, David Panther, Duane Laflin, J.T. "Bubba" Sikes, & Paula Biggio, to name a few.  The Alley has hosted several Richard Snowberg "Clown Camp on the Road" workshops through the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse since 1995.  In addition the Alley has also hosted four "Buckets of Fun" workshops, offering classes by Priscilla Mooseburger, David Mitchell, Peachey Keene, Mr. Rainbow, and many others.

Some KPK members have gone on to receive national recognition:

• Chuck "Dr. Bugg" Rinkel as "Clown Care" director at Ottumwa Regional Health Center, author of "Making Rounds with Dr. Bugg" in The New Calliope magazine, and as instructor at Clown Camp.
• Toby "Toby Kid" Kaverberg is a full-time professional clown and author of "Thoughts by Toby" in The New Calliope magazine.
• Chris "Rountuit" Montross, author, songwriter, & caring clown instructor at Clown Camp.  Also as a Cedar Rapids area member she participates in the "St. Luke's Clown Connection".
• Pam "Sparky" Moody is also a full-time professional clown who regularly teaches at: A.F.B.E.A. Characterization Conference, Clown Camp, Show Me Clowns for Jesus National Conference, S.M.I.L.E. (Safety Magic in Law Enforcement).  Sparky also has lectured at the following:  Circus Magic, C.O.A.I. National Conference, Illinois State Fire Conference, Iowa State Fire Service Training Bureau, Kentucky Clown Derby, & Wisconsin State Fire Conference.

The Alley sponsors many seasonal events always including a Christmas Party.  To date in 2008, Korn Patch Klowns membership is 53 members strong and still growing!

• Home • Bubba University • Calendar • News • History • Links • Pictures • Become a Member • Contact Us •

Send mail to WebMaster@KornPatchKlowns.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2008 Korn Patch Klowns