2024 Festival in the Park

Other Entertainment

Children’s Art Area

Coordinated by Small Hands Big Art
Location: Family Fun Zone

Don’t miss the opportunity for your children to join in this old tradition of being an artist by creating a picture (some of you probably created pictures on these same easels!) Look for us near the Family Fun Zone.

All activities in the SHBA are FREE, but a small donation to help replenish art supplies each year is much appreciated.

Small Hands Big Art has been delighting creative kids in Charlotte since 2009.  Their wildly popular art and pottery studios are located in South Charlotte at Waverly, and also have a studio in Fort Mill SC at Kingsley.  They offer art and pottery classes, camps, parties, & workshops for kids from toddlers to teens, and adults as well!

Their innovative educational programs are rooted in fine art principles, fused with contemporary trends, and slathered in individual expression! They curate an innovative art or ceramic curriculum that grows with each student, blending traditional principals with modern ideas and an appreciation for each artist’s unique creative vision.

Website:   https://www.smallhandsbigart.com/south-charlotte

[email protected]


CAROLINA CLOWNS

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CAROLINA CLOWNS INC. proudly celebrates 60+ years of service in 2019 to Charlotte and surrounding communities.

In 1957, Earl Crawford Sr., Executive Secretary to the Carrousel Parade, approached Jack Pentes, a Charlotte artist and designer, looking for individuals who wanted to participate in the Carrousel Parade as clowns. Jack, who had been appearing as “Bobo” the clown on “Big Bill’s Club House” on WBTV, and several others he recruited marched in that year’s parade. From that group, CAROLINA CLOWNS was formed and Jack Pentes was elected the first president. Today 25 men and women continue that tradition, giving of their time and talent to bring joy and laughter to our churches, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and community functions. The membership ranges in age from the early twenties to the late eighties (you must be 18 to join) and come from diverse backgrounds including nurses, teachers, homemakers, and social workers. Each of our members share the mutual feeling of concern and desire to make others happy.

The organization is a charitable, nonsectarian, nonprofit group of volunteers coming together to put on grease paint, red noses, funny shoes and costumes and to unselfishly give of themselves. All four clown types are represented in the organization: Auguste, White Face, Character, and Hobo. Each clown develops his or her own character, costume, and make-up and is responsible for his or her own expenses, including travel to and from appearances. Individual clowns often attend educational seminars to learn how to create balloon animals, perform magic, face paint, and learn new skits.

You can spot CAROLINA CLOWNS around town at Festival in the Park, The Carrousel Parade, WBTV Blood Give-In, fundraisers for MS, MD, the March of Dimes, and at other local parades and community events in the Charlotte and surrounding area.

CAROLINA CLOWNS INC. gladly accepts tax-deductible donations to the organization to help defray expenses of postage, telephone service, printing of brochures (which are given out free of charge), insurance fees, costs of sound equipment, etc.

It is making a difference that has brought individuals together to continue the art of clowning through THE CAROLINA CLOWNS. All the members volunteer their own time solely for the purpose of sharing happiness, smiles, and laughter. Through this giving, the CAROLINA CLOWNS has touched many lives and that is what the organization is all about.