A new generation of ERIEsistible Clowns is stepping up to help save the organization’s longtime home, organizing a community rummage sale later this month to raise money for a building facing thousands of dollars in repairs and back taxes.
The group is working to raise about $10,000 to address financial challenges at its clown hall at 512 Kelso Drive in Millcreek, which members say needs improvements to utilities in addition to covering overdue property taxes.
To support the effort, the ERIEsistible Clowns will host a rummage sale Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community members are invited to rent a table for $20 and sell a variety of items, including crafts, baked goods, treats and other merchandise. Organizers say all vendors and shoppers are welcome.
The fundraiser comes just weeks after more than 20 students graduated from Erie Clown College, one of the organization’s largest classes in years.
“We all got our certification and then we kind of all found out the news,” said Snickers, a member of the newest class. “Now we definitely have a goal.”
The nine-week clown school teaches participants skills including makeup application, balloon twisting, skits and audience interaction. Members say the latest graduating class has brought renewed energy to an organization that has struggled with declining membership.
In a statement, the group’s treasurer said the organization’s financial difficulties did not stem from a single event but rather a combination of challenges over many years, including the pandemic, declining membership and the loss of longtime members.
Daff-A-Dilly, another recent graduate, said she hopes the newest class can help lead a revival of clowning in the Erie area.
“I’m glad that I can be at the jumpstart of what’s going to be the new era of getting the clowns back and getting this up and running,” she said.
Longtime members say preserving the building is about more than maintaining a meeting space. They view it as protecting a tradition that has brought entertainment to parades, festivals, hospitals and community events for decades.
“Mainly it’s been dark in our world, ever since COVID especially,” said Glitter, a new member. “We want to bring the light back to the Erie community. We can’t do that without a space where we can bring everyone together for our clowning.”
Glitter said the organization’s mission remains centered on bringing joy to people of all ages.
“The minute you walk into a room, faces light up,” Glitter said. “It doesn’t matter old, young, sick or well. Everywhere we go, our rule is to spread joy.”
In addition to the rummage sale, the ERIEsistible Clowns are raising money through Erie Gives and direct donations. The organization also plans to offer another clown college class beginning in September as it works to rebuild membership and keep the tradition alive for future generations.