GOSHEN — Elkhart County 4-H Fair-goers thronged the Food Row walkway late Wednesday afternoon. Only one of them turned around when a reporter called out, “Hey, clown!”
There’s a reason for this, illustrated by the accompanying photo.
The woman in the picture is Beth Yoder of Wakarusa, also known as “Spark Lee” the clown. Professionally trained as a clown almost 25 years ago, she’s an assistant leader with the 4-H Clown Club.
“When I heard Beth Weinland was trying to get the 4-H Clown Club up and running, I came in and helped her and I’ve been associated with the club ever since,” she explained.
Yoder’s serious interest in clowning around has a long history.
“My parents took me to a circus when I was a kid and I fell in love with the clowns,” she said.
The 4-H Clown Club has 10 members and offers a learning experience, according to Yoder.
“What we teach — besides, obviously, performing arts — is to feel comfortable getting up in front of people, with being able to talk to people,” she said. “Self-confidence, self-esteem.”
Those are fine lessons to learn, whether or not the teacher is a clown.
Local News
Related Photos
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Beth Yoder of Wakarusa, also known as "Spark Lee" the clown, is shown at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. SCOTT WEISSER | THE GOSHEN NEWS
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