Annual Emmett Kelly tribute festival celebrates history with whimsical flair
Stasia Kelly, daughter of Emmett Kelly, Sr., is seated in the backseat of a convertible, featured in a parade held during the Emmett Kelly Clown Festival, held last weekend in Houston. Emmett Kelly was born in Kansas and spent his childhood in the Cabool and Houston area as part of a farm family, according to the Missouri State Historical Society of Missouri. He moved to Kansas City to look for work at about age 19 and eventually found work in carnivals and the circus. Stasia Kelly was born to Emmett and his second wife Elvira after he had been a performer for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus for over 13 years, according to SHSMO.
STAFF / KIMBERLY LANGSTON
“Sparkie Malarkey Duh Clown” led the parade April 26 at the Emmett Kelly Clown Festival in Houston. Sparkie, the stage name of performer Jackie Newton, is a past president of the World Clown Association and delighted the crowd with an impromptu dance with an oversized Sonic hot dog. Emmett Kelly, Sr., perhaps the world’s most famous “hobo” clown, spent his childhood on a farm in the Cabool and Houston area and developed his act after performing as a trapeze and caricature artist. He eventually perfected his “Weary Willie” character and was a beloved entertainer in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.
STAFF / KIMBERLY LANGSTON
Lovie Lane, age 4 of Houston, was one of the youngest clowns at the Emmett Kelly Clown Festival. She is the daughter of Christina and Alan Lane and is shown here getting ready to enjoy a traditional circus food, cotton candy.
STAFF / KIMBERLY LANGSTON
Colored pages honoring Missourian Emmett Kelly and “Weary Willie,” the hobo clown character originated by Kelly, were displayed at Forbes Pharmacy in downtown Houston during the Emmett Kelly Clown Festival. The event featured an appearance and lecture by one of Kelly’s children, daughter Stasia, a parade, car show and vendor booths. Kelly grew up in the Houston area and developed his character during the Great Depression, a time when the public seemed to relate to the down-on-his-luck clown.
