Craig “Doc” Kazin, and other Melha clowns. (Submitted photo)
SOUTHWICK – Get ready to laugh this weekend when the Melha Shriner Clowns come to town for the Second Annual Clowning Around for Shriners.
The event is set for Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Whalley Park and admission is free for all.
Organizer Wendy Hart, a Southwick resident, has no personal connection to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, just a big heart.
“I was at a vendor show last year and spoke to a Shriner clown and wanted to do something to benefit the hospital,” Hart said.
She pulled together an event last year and is expanding on it this year.
“I wanted to have it at Whalley Park because it is kid-friendly,” said Hart. “They have a playground and it’s set back from the road – I want it to be safe for the kids.”
Entertainment will be provided by the Melha Shrine Clowns, a traveling arcade, a DJ, photo booth, dunk tank and two local bands: T.I.M.E. and Hot Mess.
“I am really excited about the opportunity to raise money for Shriners Hospital, and hope to increase the amount we raised over last year’s total,” Hart said.
The event raised $1,300 for the hospital in 2014 and Hart said when she presented the check at the hospital, she was even more motivated to raise funds.
“I saw the work they did and I know the money will be used right here to help children,” she said.
Hart chose the Shriners Hospital for Children because it helps local families. She wanted to host the event in Southwick to benefit the community as well.
“I want to give back to my community with a fun event that also helps people,” said Hart.
Attending the event is free of charge, and food and beverages will be for sale. The Melha Shrine Clowns will present a skit show and spend the day mingling with children of all ages.
“Our clowns love days like this because we can help raise money for our hospital while just having lots of fun with all the families in attendance,” said Shriner and President of the Melha Clowns Joel Miller.
Hart said there will be donation jars at the event for people who would like to help raise funds for the hospital.
Shriners International is a philanthropic fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. With approximately 325,000 members in 194 temples (chapters) in the United States, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and the Republic of Panama, our fraternity is open to men of integrity from all walks of life. More information about Shriners International can be found at shrinershq.org.
For more information about the local area Shriners call the Melha Shrine Center, 133 Longhill St., Springfield, at (413) 736-3647, or visit the website at melhashriners.com.
