Thirty Years Behind the Smile: Life as an Anah Temple Clown
More than thirty years ago, I took a step that would change my life in ways I never imagined. Alongside my brother and fellow clown, Shorty, I was initiated into the Anah Temple Shrine. At the time, I knew it would be meaningful, but I had no idea just how much joy, friendship, and purpose it would bring into my life.
The Shrine itself is known for its fellowship, community service, and dedication to helping children, especially through the work of Shriners Children’s hospitals. The organization has long been recognized for its colorful parades, charitable efforts, and the unmistakable red fez worn by its members.
For us, though, the heart of it all was clowning.
Being a Shrine clown takes more than putting on a costume. Over the years, Shorty and I spent countless hours in front of the mirror applying our clown makeup, getting ready for events, and perfecting routines. Those hours were never a chore — they were part of the joy.
We have walked many parade routes across Maine over the years. Street after street, town after town, we marched with our fellow Shriners, hearing children cheer and laugh as we passed by. There is something special about seeing a child’s face light up when a clown waves, pulls a silly trick, or hands them a balloon. Those moments make every mile worth it.
Another highlight of our time as Anah Temple clowns has been performing at the Anah Shrine Circus, held in places like Bangor and Presque Isle. The circus is a long-standing family tradition in Maine, bringing together clowns, acrobats, and performers for a weekend of fun while supporting the Shrine’s charitable mission.
We have had the privilege of attending and performing at many of those circuses over the years, entertaining children before the show, during intermission, and sometimes just in the aisles with spontaneous silliness. Those are the moments where clowning truly comes alive.
Along the way, we also had the opportunity to compete in clown competitions. We were proud to win several top prizes in the North East Clown Association, place in the top 10 internationally in the International Shrine Clown Association (I.S.C.A.), and even earn the People’s Choice Award.
But of all the honors I have received over the years, my most cherished award has always been the Children’s Choice Award.
That one means the most.
Because the children are the reason we do what we do.
Awards and trophies are wonderful, but nothing compares to the laughter of a child who forgets their worries for a moment and simply enjoys being a kid. Seeing their smiles, hearing them laugh, and knowing that we helped brighten their day — even if just for a few minutes — is something that cannot truly be described.
Looking back over more than three decades as an Anah Temple clown, I feel incredibly grateful. Grateful for the miles walked in parades, the countless hours in clown makeup, the circus memories, the competitions, and most of all the friendships along the way.
But above everything else, I’m grateful for the children.
Because every smile, every laugh, and every moment of joy reminds us exactly why we became clowns in the first place.
And after all these years, that reason has never changed.