The Emmett Kelly Festival will be held this Friday and Saturday, April 28 & 29, in downtown Houston, Missouri. The famous American Clown called Houston, Missouri his home. Kelly grew up near the train tracks during the Great Depression and that is how he created his character, Weary Willie. This year celebrates what would be Kelley’s 125th Birthday.
News Team 7 spoke with volunteer Brenda Senter to learn more:
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The festival will kick off on Friday at 6 pm with the Kindergarten Circus at the Heitt Gym, 423 W. Pine Street.
At 7 pm, The Stars Foundation will present “Willy Wonka Broadway” at the Melba Theatre.
On Saturday, the events will be as follows:
- 9 am: Car Show & 5k Run Walk – check-in time for the 5k will be 8 am with winners presented at 10 am. The Car show will be held by the Welding Program at Piney River Technical Center. The entry fee is $15 per vehicle with proceeds going toward the welding program.
- 10 am: Grandstand entertainment – Entertainment at the grandstand at Pine Street and Grand Avenue. Featuring Kirk Pierce, James VanKirk, the Houston High School band, the STARS Foundation, and short skits by all the clowns.
- 11:30 am: Chili Contest – Applications will be at Houston City Hall. Chili must be at the main stage by 11:30 am Saturday for tasting. Entry is $10 per crock pot with proceeds benefitting the Houston High School Band. Prizes will be awarded.
- 1 pm: Downtown Parade – Clowns will fill downtown Houston for the annual parade. Shriners from Springfield will attend, along with fan favorites: Sparky, Rich the Clown, Handy Andy, and Blossom. Prizes will be presented to clowns for the most creative, best costume, and funniest.
- Window Contest: A $250 prize will be awarded from The Houston Herald for the top window display at a business in Houston. Call City Hall at 417-967-3348 to register for judging.
For information, please contact the City of Houston, at (417) 967-3348 or houstonmo.org
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