🎆The Big Show! Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp Day 5 Recap🎆

Day 5 of Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp began like the others—with breakfast and a good dose of laughter and learning at Clowning 101—but there was something different in the air today. A tingle of excitement. A little more sparkle in everyone’s eyes. It was the day of the All-Star Clown Show and we could all feel the buzz.

The morning moved quickly with our Cue-to-Cue Walk-through, where we fine-tuned entrances, exits, and all those little details that make a big show run smoothly. After lunch, the transformation began—make-up and costumes on, wigs adjusted, big shoes buckled. We gathered for course and group photos in full clown regalia, immortalizing our goofy, colorful crew before piling onto the bus for the 10-mile ride, singing all the way, to Maple Lake High School where we'd be performing.

Once we arrived, we jumped right into the pre-show Meet & Greet. There was face painting, kid-friendly activities, and plenty of clown silliness as we also made sure props and places were set and ready for the main event. Then—showtime! The All-Star Clown Show was a blur of gags, clown skills, honks, and belly laughs. The gym rang with applause and giggles, and every clown left a little piece of their heart out there in the ring.

Afterward, something happened that will stick with me for a very long time. Both Tricia Manuel and Ron Severini—clowning legends in their own right—separately shared with me unsolicited words of encouragement. Tricia told me she was glad I found camp and that I remind her of Jackie Gleason. Ron told me that I “have great comedic movement.” I was floored. These were not just kind words; coming from them, they were monumental affirmations. I thanked them both profusely, tucking their encouragement deep in my heart.

We capped the night with dinner and the Afterglow Party, riding the high of the performance and the warmth of shared joy. Later, with dreams of the circus swirling around in my head, I drifted off to sleep—already thinking ahead to our last day, when we’d receive certificates, say our goodbyes, and pack up for the journey home.