It was held in Sturbridge, MA from 4/15/97 - 4/20/97. This is the first time that the COAI convention has EVER been held in the Northeast (which was a major reason why I was able to attend!). There were approximately 500 full registrations and many single day registrants.

There was 27 hours worth of education (COAI requires only 12 hours at a national convention). The instructors were wonderful -- Glenn "Frosty" Little, Steve "Peachey Keene" Long, Paula "Stickers" Biggio, Duane Laflin, Tricia "Pricilla Mooseburger" Bothun, Betty Cash, and MANY more (full list is at the 1997 COAI Convention website at: you're already here, Silly!).

There were dealers galore. Two wig vendors (Cherie Oats & Designers of Smiles), Two costume vendors (Pricilla Mooseburger & Betty Cash), General Props (Clown Supplies & Clown City), Peachey Keene Props (Gosh, his stuff is SO cool!) Juggling Props (The Compleat Gamester), Two shoe vendors (Spears Specialty Shoes & a new person with smaller shoes with air brushed toes. They were sort of neat, but not my cup of tea. Two magic vendors (Daytona Magic & Duane Laflin). Albert the Sticker Man was there, Dotsie's Face Painting stuff, Paula "Stickers" Biggio. It was REAL easy to drop a ton of money in the dealers' room!

There was all sorts of entertainment too! During lunch each day there was a different performer for entertainment -- Alexander the King of Jesters, Sir Andrew. There was a close-up magic room for two nights too. This wasn't a lecture, but performance oriented. The Banquet show was just outstanding too! Leonard Solomon with his Majestic Bellophone has to be seen to be believed! It is constructed from various tubes, pipes, bellows, horns – AND he actually plays music with it! Paul Wayne was hysterically funny with his electric guitar and himself on stage -- his comedy was clean, family oriented and riotous!

OH, and there were a few clowns too! Competitions were well represented. This was the first year that they split the Classic Whiteface from the Comedy White face (which in my opinion was a GREAT thing to do!) It's SO difficult to compare the Comedy's and the sparkly & spangly costumes of the Classics. There was even one with a full peacock tail, Impressive! Can't speak to how many competed in each category because I was tied up in the Auguste competition (there were 40 competing there, and 14 in tramp/hobo).

This was my first national convention and (obviously) my first time competing at a national level. Let me tell you, these ARE the best! This clowns were SO good! The Puerto Rican contingent (30-40 of them) are ALL beautiful clowns! There is a good reason that they have been so well represented in the Top Ten in recent years! I know first hand! (Though, I did place 13th in Auguste! This was an EXTREME thrill for me as I was competing in my working costume!) I'm waiting for COAI to send me the competition results so that they can be posted at the convention web site (They're here now).

I entered all three balloon competitions (single, multiple, and arrangement (artistic)) and the competition was FIERCE! WOW! what great balloon artists were there! There were thirty entries in single with first place going to an awesome armadillo by Chris "Flip" Florey from Maine. There was no question about what THAT was! Also, John "The Balloon Man Dallas" Holmes had a great "Chilly Willy". There was also a one balloon lobster made from a 280 by Lee Brusa, and (I don't know who made it, but...) a GREAT "Weenie mobile" (picture the Oscar Meyer Hot Dog on Wheels!).

In Multiple, Ron Covington took first place with a Cockatoo on a trike. Great stuff! Also, there was a Snoopy in his Sopwith Camel. Some really nice stuff here!

The Arrangement competition was amazing! I was hoping to enter Royal Sorell's Elvis in the multiple competition, but I couldn't get my time down to 15 minutes. So I entered him in the arrangement. The CLEAR winner was John "The Balloon Man Dallas" Holmes' "Christ on the cross". It is amazing that it could inspire such a feeling of reverence and awe. It was incredible, the detail -- from the nails in Christ's hand to the crown of thorns. Unbelievable! Congratulations John! Also in top three was the "Tree of Knowledge with the Serpent. Wonderful. (For those interested readers, Elvis placed 6th).

Hospitality rooms were great! The fellowship amongst so many great clowns was wonderful. I am STILL recovering from my extreme lack of sleep! (1:30 was an early night and things were hopping as late as 3:30!)

OK, I know that this was long, but I hope that it gives you some idea of what went on at the COAI Convention.

Take care and bump a nose!

Cheesecake the Clown (aka Dana)