BILL "BOOM-BOOM" BAILY
Bill was an original member of Clowns of America when it was founded
in 1967 and held membership number 81. He was named the U.S.
Chairman of National Clown Week.
Because each year a chairman had to be chosen in each state to ask
their governor to issue a proclamation honoring National Clown Week,
Bill pushed for National Clown Week publicity.
He convinced Congressman Garmatz of Maryland and Congressman Myers of
Indiana to introduce a joint resolution in Congress establishing
National Clown Week as an annual event. He lobbied congress and
organized a visit by clowns to the senate building in Washington, D.C.
The joint resolution was signed into law by President Nixon on August
2, 1971.
Bill remained International Clown Week Chairman for Clowns of America
and Clown of America International until his death.
Bill was honored by induction into the International Clown Hall of
Fame in 1996.
Why is it International Clown Week ?
When COA (Clown of America) changed their name to COAI (Clown
of America International), they decided it should be International
Clown Week and not National Clown Week. And while International Clown
week is celebrated around the world, it's only "officially"
recognized in the USA. Most clowns just refer it to as Clown
Week.
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