Ubi the Clown

On the Very Delightful Day in Pittsboro,NC

The 22th of October, which in a previous reckoning of months, would have been the 8th month, instead of the 10th, found my partner Karen and myself hooping and twisting in the well appointed children’s area at the 2011 Pittsboro Street Fair. For unexplained reasons, which I will probably never learn, the crowd ebbed and flowed with a rhythmic pulse almost; affording me occasional breaks without having to end a line.

I took advantage of those breaks to visit with vendors, some who I knew well from the community, others that I met that day; lending credence to my belief that there are no strangers, just friends I have not yet met. I clogged around a bit when Mr. Bluegrass himself was onstage kickin’ out some fine tunes. All the bands were quite good. Even while sitting and twisting, I often got happy, tapping feet and the urge to get up and dance, which I noticed many others doing over by the stage. Great tunes all day long!

My young friend whose folks have the little dress store was there; she always brings a smile. The Lions, Tigers and maybe some bears were there, as well as Chargers, Tarheels, Wolfpack and Blue Devils (at least the fans thereof). All were congenially getting along well along the length and breadth of the fine spectacle that is the Pittsboro Street Fair.

While not on break, I had opportunity to twist the balloon delight of choice (both color and shape) for many dozens of great children of all ages. I took time to twirl the giant hoop around some, again, to the delight of the crowd. I wrangled a stray toddler that was in peril of getting clobbered by hoopers, returning said tot to the embrace of his pater familia, who immediately let him run loose some more, go figger.

Sampled some of the fine roasted sausages, stayed hydrated and as out of the direct sun as I could, and overall had a very delightful time, my own self, which is not at all difficult when spending the day with the aforementioned partner and the great people in Pittsboro!

See you next year, Pittsboro! And keep your smiles smilin’!

On the Pleasant Day at St. Julia Fall Festival, Siler City, NC

Dateline: St. Julia Church, Siler City, NC

Midday, September 25, 2011 A.D. found Karen and me entertaining the throngs (of children of all ages) attending the festive festivities just this side (easterly, that is) of Siler City, NC; in the round-a-bout driveway encircling the fine edifice of St. Julia Catholic Church.

The line for twisted balloons was never short; the activity over by the Hoola Hoops was ceaseless. There was an assortment of inflated jump around structures, and a fun looking mechanical bull ride. I had no opportunity to partake but am sure that those that did had a grand time doing so.

I replenished stocks of both Duke and Carolina blue twisty balloons, as well as red and not quite red (pimk, I thimk); and downed the requisite amount of chilled water to keep the Ice Water Fairy happy. She flutters by and admonishes me when I don’t show progress on emptying the bottle.

Many smiles were created by my efforts, I do believe, and many a chuckle, a guffaw or two and a higher than average amount of giggles were also heard from the assembled multitude. I had an opportunity to practice my limited knowledge of Spanish, and was delighted by the bi-lingual skills of so many youngsters.

After we ended the line and packed up the hoops, we were graciously treated to some very delicious food from El Salvador, compliments of the festival folks. We were tired, happy and grateful for the kindness and sustenance.

We look forward to continuing to be part of the excellent annual Saint Julia Fall Festival just this side of Siler City, and wish all we met “Hasta la vista!” until next year!

Thank you very much, muchas gracias.

Twisting at Croaker Fest 2011

John the Balloon Man returned to Croaker Fest for the fourth year.

He tried to help with the tug-o-war, but the Captain of the winning Pirate Float (from the parade earlier in the day) was on the other end of the rope. Better luck next year!

John could win the hula hoop contest, but they made a rule that says you have to use the hoops provided by the people who run the Children’s Area.

Balloons and Hoops at Croaker Fest

We were cleaning up some old picture folders and found these images from an earlier Croaker Fest.

Twisting in the Croaker Fest Children's Area, Oriental NC. — Twisting in the Croaker Fest Children’s Area, Oriental NC.

My partner Karen Tiede runs the hula hoop area on the edge of the inlet.

On the good time had by all at Maker Faire NC

June 18th found me, John the Balloon Man, at Maker Faire NC, in the Gov. Kerr Scott building at the NC Fairgrounds. I sat between the B.O.L.T.S. (Brotherhood of Learning & Teaching Smiths) folks from Goldsboro, blacksmiths of a sort (their term), and the wacky and wonderful CHAOS machine, a rather large, well wrought assemblage of 3 dimensional grids, chutes and electric escalator ladders that moved plastic marbles around, reminiscent of the old “Mousetrap” game. My mission, to amuse and delight the children in attendance through the twisting of inflated latex cylinders, otherwise known as “animal balloons.”

My partner Karen Tiede participated in Maker Faire NC as a “Maker,” showing her hand knit rag rugs made from upcycled old clothes. I contacted Jon Danforth, the capable organizer, and let him know that I would love to attend, at no charge, with permission to have a tip jar. The Maker Faire NC team thought balloon art would be a fine addition to the mix.

The Maker Faire event planning team suggested walk around entertainment, but I replied that I might best be stationary. History has taught me that when I start twisting, a line forms instantly. More often than not, the line stays 20-minutes long for the duration of the event. The CHAOS fellow remarked that together, we were a “kid magnet.”

Once we finished setting up Rags to Richness, my partner’s booth, I took a minute to set up my area, and had time remaining to walk around the indoor arena. Maker Faire attracts marvels and wonderful things, systems, art and science. I purchased a necklace from the Scrap Exchange booth that commemorated my getting lost at the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, as a six-year-old (that is another story, best told some other time), which I gave to Karen.

The first few balloons were gifts to children of fellow makers and sponsors. Once the doors opened at 10:00, the flood gates opened and the serious twisting began. The children in line were of the age that is delighted by the whimsical items I create from a balloon.

Two breaks, spaced a couple of hours apart, dozens of children delighted, as many parents amused. A fine break area for Makers, provided by the organizers, kept me in fine fettle. The A/C struggled to keep up toward the end, but honestly, I did not notice it until two moms commented about how warm it was.

Happy children, happy parents, happy organizers and happy balloonist. Everyone was a winner at the Maker Faire NC! One of the event sponsors approached near the end and expressed her gratitude for the work I had done. (As a mother of once-small children, she had noticed how the younger children, and their parents, appreciated age-appropriate entertainment.) That, along with all the smiles I helped happen, really made my day.

Rough Night at the North Pole

Ubi the Clown was the opening act for the Central Carolina Community College Theater program’s December 2010 production of the show, Rough Night at the North Pole, at the new Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro, NC.

Ubi started at 7:00 and did clown magic, his tightrope walk, and several other skits as late-comers settled and the audience prepared for the main show.