There's A Clown Shortage: Who Will Fill Those Big Shoes?
This may be welcome news for those who suffer from coulrophobia, but it's no joke to those who agree with Cole Porter that "All the World Loves a Clown":
"Circus folk fear a national clown shortage is on the horizon," New York's Daily News reports. "Membership at the country's largest trade organizations for the jokesters has plunged over the past decade as declining interest, old age and higher standards among employers align against Krusty, Bozo and their crimson-nosed colleagues."
The tabloid adds that:
As , this is all "a pie in the face" for the clowns of the world....MORE" 'What's happening is attrition,' said Clowns of America International President Glen Kohlberger, who added that membership at the Florida-based organization has plummeted since 2006. 'The older clowns are passing away.' He said he wouldn't release specific numbers, citing the privacy of the members.
"Membership at the World Clown Association, the country's largest trade group for clowns, has dropped from about 3,500 to 2,500 since 2004. 'The challenge is getting younger people involved in clowning,' said Association President Deanna (Dee Dee) Hartmier, who said most of her members are over 40."
