ONTARIO, Calif. (AP) - Several dozen clowns from around the U.S. and Canada gathered to learn new magic tricks, sharpen their punch lines and train would-be professional buffoons at a clown camp in Southern California.
The annual California Clown Campin' event at a hotel in Ontario, Calif., brought together veteran clowns with decades of experience and those who have never worn a red nose or a pair of oversized shoes.
The weeklong event earlier this month featured classes on balloon tying, pie-throwing, face-painting, comedy writing, magic tricks and character development. It ended with a free public show for residents.
Clowns say the annual event helps keep their skills sharp even as the economy has led to a drop in paid gigs.
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