Clown brightens up Twilight Festival
Published Sept. 26, 2003
The smell of popcorn permeates the air. The sound of children squealing with delight in a giant inflatable castle echoes as a young blond girl holds her right shoulder out in anticipation for a new orange parrot. The girl eagerly awaits a balloon animal created by Smiley the Clown at the Twilight Festival on Thursday night.
Smiley the Clown, also known as Amy Prater, was one of the many performers at the festival in downtown Columbia. Twilight Festival has been held every Thursday night in June and September for the past 13 years, said Sandi Strother, associate director for the Downtown Columbia Association. Between 6,000 and 10,000 people attend each night. Thursday was the last festival of the year.
"It's very popular," she said.
The festival included one band at Courthouse Square and 18 bands on the streets. There were also horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown, face painting, art displays and organizations such as the Humane Society speaking about their causes.
Smiley and her balloon animals are one draw of the festival. At any given time, there are at least six children standing in line while Prater works on balloons with her assistant, Zach Mace, 13.
"We've been here every week," said Jean Pfeifer-Nicklas, mother of 4-year-old Amanda and 2-year-old Bradley. "They love Smiley."
Prater wears a denim hat with florescent orange hair stuffed underneath, a red shirt and pants that match her jungle animal adorned vest. She twists balloons with ease into any of 14 animals as children sneak up to peek into her box of balloons.
"The organizers of Twilight Festival provide balloons, and I work for tips," Prater said. "That's been the arrangement every year."
Prater has worked as a clown entertainer since 1994 and has worked at the Twilight Festival since 1995.
"When I started I was only able to make three or four animals," she said. "I taught myself with books from the library.
Working as a clown is Prater's main profession. She performs at birthday parties and other social events. She also will work as a substitute teacher soon, she said.
While creating parrots and butterflies Prater greets children who have met her at parties. They stop to say hello and receive a new pet.
"Twilight Festival is a great way for me to meet people and make connections," she said.
Prater's work is nonstop at Twilight Festival. Shortly after Prater completes a blue cat and a white rabbit, a girl with curly black hair walks up and quietly asks for a hat.
"Would you like it to look like a swan or a fish?" Prater asked. "You're going to be a swan princess!" she said before twisting another balloon.