Snappy the clown was one of many who entertained at the Festival of Fools.
Rolling in laughter, crowds of people could not get enough fun at this year’s 14th Annual Festival of Fools.
Hilarious stunts and random acts of foolishness reflected the season of April Fools’ Day in many ways. However, these clowns did not do anything related to April Fools’ jokes, or did they?
Sadly enough, the spring break family fun ended yesterday in time for kids to go back to school after a week of clowning around.
With many events held each day, performers commented on how much fun it was to perform while placing a smile on the children’s faces.
Kids of all ages were treated to some amazing face painting.
Donning face paintings of Butterflies, Batman, Spiderman, and Mermaids, along with balloon sculpting, children of all ages had a great time watching and joining in on the events held at the Festival of Fools Centre Court at The Forks Market.
Professional acts from Canada and the United States showed off their talents with many unexpected surprises. From clowns, to Lee Zimmerman – the Puppet Guy, to The Silly People showing off their diabolos and yo yo skills, to juggling acts with Robin Chestnut from Winnipeg, Mr. Mark and Karl Saliter from New York and much more, there was no shortage of laughter and entertainment during this year’s Festival of Fools.
Silly People performed incredible yo-yo tricks for adoring crowds.
Many of the children who participated in trapeze and circus workshops, said they did it because it looked fun and they wanted to try something different.
With suitcase and unicycle in hand, Karl Saliter performed his famous balloon act leaving the audience in tears. His comedic act kept everyone laughing the whole way through. With the balloon on his head, he began to enclose himself inside the balloon. Once inside, he popped out hands first like a chicken hatching from an egg.
Reminiscent of a scene from a Jim Carrey movie where he was trying to get out of rhinoceros, Saliter eventually came out safe and sound. He then began to pursue his unicycle act with audience participation, juggling swords and playing the harmonica while riding the unicycle.
New York’s Karl Salitier performed his famous balloon act.
Light Bulb the Clown was a fixture throughout the week.
Each performer captivated one and all during the week at The Forks. At the end of each show money was collected in a plastic pail for people to donate and help pay for the costs of the festival.
The Festival of Fools was a great success with many performers and participants grateful for the experience and most left with the feeling they can hardly wait until next year.
The Winnipeg International Children’s Festival will have more events in the summer for the children at summer C.A.M.P. and Kidsfest where there is no shortage of entertainment.
All photos by Marie LeBlanc
