Read the news and keep up with all of the things that Sir Toony does.
Clowning Around with Sir Toony
Hey everyone, it is Sir Toony with another fun YouTube video about clowns.
International Clown Week: Parades
Hey everyone, it is International Clown Week. Sir Toony continues to celebrate Clown Week with a different makeup and video each day. Today, he is talking about parades.
International Clown Week: Future of Clowning
Hey everyone, it is International Clown Week. Sir Toony continues to celebrate Clown Week with a different makeup and video each day. Today, he asks what the future might hold for clowns and clowning.
International Clown Week: Finding Clown Skits
Hey everyone, it is International Clown Week. Once you have a costume and makeup, it is time to think about what type of performance you will do. Today, Sir Toony is going to talk about finding and customizing clown skits.
International Clown Week: Finding your clown face
Hey everyone, it is International Clown Week. Today, Sir Toony is going to talk about finding your clown face. How does a clown pick their makeup style?
International Clown Week: Tramp or Hobo Clown Makeup Demonstration
Hey everyone, it is International Clown Week. Today, I decided to do a clown makeup demonstration for a tramp or hobo clown character.
International Clown Week: Tramp or Hobo Clown Character
Hey everyone, it is International Clown Week. Today, I decided to do a tramp or hobo clown character. My first video for today was doing the makeup for today's character. This video is more about the character.
International Clown Week with Sir Toony
Hey everyone, Sir Toony Van Dukes is ready to celebrate the start of International Clown Week. Each year, clowns celebrate Clown Week during the first week of August. Sir Toony will share the history of Clown Week.
Sir Toony and the Tokyo Summer Olympics
Hey everyone, Sir Toony Van Dukes is ready to celebrate the start of the Tokyo Summer Olympics. He has facts and trivia related to the olympics.
Sir Toony and the 4th of July
Hey everyone, Sir Toony Van Dukes is ready to celebrate the 4th of July weekend.
Sir Toony's Summer Vacation
Hey everyone, Sir Toony is ready to go on a Summer Vacation. What are your plans for this summer?
Sir Toony Van Dukes Celebrates Red Nose Day 2021
Hey everyone, it is me, your friend Sir Toony Van Dukes the Clown and I am excited because today is Red Nose Day.
Reston Holiday Parade 2011
Added: 27-November-2011
On Friday, November 25, 2011, Sir Toony and several of his friends from
Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia
(JCA) participated in the Reston Holiday Parade at the Reston Town Center. More than 70 groups gathered
on a sunny Friday morning helped bring the 21st annual parade theme of storybook magic to life.
Representing JCA were Sir Toony, Pelukyta, Moosey, Fancy, Dootsiedum, and Justin.
Mid Atlantic Clown Association Annual Convention 2011
Added: 27-November-2011
For the second year in a row, Sir Toony attended the
Mid Atlantic Clown Association (MACA)
annual convention in Harrisburg, PA. As the Virginia State Director on the MACA Board of Directors, Sir Toony
participated in the planning and running of the convention. While at the convention, Sir Toony attended a
variety of lectures, entered the balloon, face painting, clown makeup, paradeability, and skit competitions.
Sir Toony was re-elected to serve as the Virginia State Director and came home with the 1st place trophy for
the whiteface category of the clown makeup competition and 3rd place trophies for both the single balloon
competition and the full face, face painting competition.
Clownfest 2011
Added: 1-October-2011
In September 2011, Mike Becvar aka Sir Toony Van Dukes attended Clownfest in Seaside
Heights, NJ. Clownfest includes three days of workshops and two days of community events.
While at Clownfest, Mike attended workshops on balloons, clowning around, and magic. He
also entered the face painting, balloon twisting, and clown costume competitions. He came
in fist place for the full face, face painting competition and won the Fun-Friendly award.
On Saturday, Sir Toony joined the clowns on the boardwalk. He participated in the Kazoo Band,
Balloon Express, and Family Fun Frolic. On Sunday, Buzz Clownstrong (Mike's Astronut clown
character) participated in the Clown Parade.
City of Fairfax 4th of July Parade
Added: 1-October-2011
On Monday, July 4th, Sir Toony joined several of his friends from Just Clowning Around of
Northern Virginia (Big Red, Tooter, Pelukyta, Wiggy, Moosey, Justin and Sharone) to participate
in the City of Fairfax 4th of July parade. It was their 45th annual City of Fairfax Independence
Day Celebration and it marked the City of Fairfax’s 50th birthday.
They braved the heat and helped the crowds in Fairfax celebrate the 4th of July.
As a reward for their efforts, JCA came in 1st place for the best clowns in the parade.
Minds for Motion Academy picnic
Added: 1-October-2011
On Sunday, June 12th Sir Toony and his friend Sharone volunteered at the
Minds for Motion Academy picnic, A Team Of Our Own. Sharone made balloons while
Sir Toony did face painting. This event was sponsored by the MIMA Booster Club
to benefit the Minds In Motion Academy, as school that provides a multi-sensory environment for
children with learning differences.
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
Added: 1-October-2011
On Monday, May 30, 2011, Memorial Day, Sir Toony joined several of his friends from
Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia to participate in the City of Falls Church
30th Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival. The parade took over Park Avenue with
antique cars, Latin dancers, displays from the Falls Church Parks and Recreation
Department and plenty of traditional displays of American pride from motorcycle riders
to men and women dressed in old fashioned American clothing.
Clown Conventions
Added: 23-April-2011
Sir Toony Van Dukes has been busy attending clown conventions. In January, he attended the Kapitol
Kidvention in Leesburg, VA. In February, he attended the Circus Magic Convention in Williamsburg, VA.
Sir Toony won his first two awards for balloon twisting at the Circus Magic Convention with his
Dragon and baby hippo balloons that came in 3rd and 1st place.
In March, he attended the World Clown Association Convention in New York City. He came back from each
convention with new toys and ideas. He will be taking a few months off before attending more conventions
in the fall.
Parades
Added: 23-April-2011
Sir Toony got a good start to 2011 with a series of parades including the George Washington Birthday
parade in Alexandria, VA; the Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade; and the Gaithersburg St. Patrick's
Day Parade.
Safe Places Holiday Party
Added: 19-December-2010
On Monday, December 13, 2010, Sir Toony and his friends from Just Clowning Around of Northern Virgini (JCA)
hosted a holiday party for the families of Safe Places. Safe Places is a local charity that provides
housing and other support to domestic violence survivors and their children. JCA provided the Christmas
decorations, a buffet dinner of chicken and cold cuts, gifts for all of the children, and a special visit
from Santa. After all of the children had a chance to visit Santa, JCA members entertained their guests
with songs and games. JCA members at the party included: Dot Com as Santa and Bingo as Mrs Claus,
Big Red and her son Ben, Sir Toony, Pelukyta, Wiggy, Moose, Sweet Pickle, and Dot Com's wife Beverly as
a Christmas Elf.
Fantasy Flight At Dulles
Added: 19-December-2010
Sir Toony joined Wiggy from Just Clowning Around of Northern Virgini (JCA) to clown at the Fantasy
Flight at Dulles Airport on Saturday, December 11, 2010. Both Sir Toony and Wiggy made balloons
for the children. Sir Toony even made the local NBC News coverage at the event.
Each year, United Airlines pairs up with Children's Hospice International to make Christmas a little
brighter for some special kids. The program, started in 1990, takes children with life-threatening
conditions and terminal illnesses from hospitals and hospices across the region on a make-believe
flight to visit Santa at the "North Pole". United employees, along with other sponsors and volunteers
come together each year to make it an extra special Christmas for such children.
Reston Holiday Parade
Added: 19-December-2010
Sir Toony joined several of his friends from Just Clowning Around of Northern Virgini (JCA)
and participated in the 20th Annual Reston Holiday Parade on Friday, November 26. Sir
Toony and Pelukyta spent their Thanksgiving building a pair of special parade props (Christmas
Presents) for the parade. Wiggy offered “Free Shakes” while Moose and Dootsiedum showed off
their puppets. Although not with the rest of the JCA group, Dot Com was also in the parade.
He was Santa in the horse drawn carriage at the end of the parade.
It was a fun, but rainy Friday morning for a parade. Other groups in the parade included the Unicycle
Lady, UniStars Unicycling Showtroupe, Hogettes, the Jokesters, and several large helium balloons.
Montgomery County Holiday Parade
Added: 19-December-2010
Sir Toony joined several of his friends from the Kapitol Klowns in the Montgomery County Thanksgiving
Parade on Saturday, November 20, 2010. The parade was on Ellsworth Drive and Georgia Avenue in Silver
Spring, MD. After the parade, the Kapitol Klown members enjoyed lunch at Fire Station 1 Restaurant.
Mid Atlantic Clown Association Convention
Added: 19-December-2010
Sir Toony attended the Mid Atlantic Clown Association (MACA) annual convention November 10-14, 2010 in
Harrisburg, PA. Sir Toony attended a variety of lectures, entered the balloon competition, let a
face painter use his face for the face painting competition, watched the skit competition and dressed
up for the theme dinners. He was also elected to the MACA Board of Directors as the Virginia State
Director.
South Riding's Halloween Spooktacular
Added: 19-December-2010
Each year, South Riding hosts a Halloween Spooktacular which includes a parade, costume contest, and
activities for the family. Mike dressed up as a Skeleton Pirate and won First place in the Adult
Category. After the parade, he set up the decorations on his driveway and handed out candy to
the children in the neighborhood.
Annandale Festival Parade
Added: 19-December-2010
On Saturday, October 23, 2010, Sir Toony and Pelukyta represented JCA in the Annandale Festival
Parade hosted by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce. Once again, Sir Toony drove his smart
car. Pelukyta offered “Free Shakes” to the spectators along the parade route.
Columbus Day Parade Parade
Added: 19-December-2010
On Saturday, October 9, 2010, Sir Toony represented Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia in
the 28th Annual Columbus Day Parade in Sterling Park, VA. The parade was hosted by The
Knights of Columbus - Good Samaritan Council #6175. Sir Toony created a car sized party hat and
drove his smart fortwo in the parade.
SYA Glory Days Bowl
Added: 19-December-2010
On Saturday, September 11, 2010, Sir Toony and Big Red from Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia
volunteered to clown at the Southwestern Youth Association (SYA) Football League's Glory Days Bowl.
They set up their supplies under a canopy and painted faces for a few hours.
Georgetown NICU Reunion
Added: 19-December-2010
On Saturday, September 11, 2010, Sir Toony joined his friends from the Kapitol Klowns to entertain
the children at the Georgetown NICU Reunion. Sir Toony and Pearl of the Sea helped out by painting
faces while other members of the Kapitol Klowns made balloons and played games with the kids.
Clownfest 2010
Added: 19-December-2010
For one week in September 2010, Mike attended the Clownfest convention in Seaside Heights, NJ.
He attended lectures on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and participated in the clown events on the
boardwalk on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, Sir Toony visited the arcades on the boardwalk, spent
an hour making balloons, did some face painting, and marched in Pricilla Mooseburger's Kazoo Band.
He won an MP3 player for his participation. On Sunday, Sir Toony marched in the clown parade.
JCA Open House
Added: 19-December-2010
On Sunday, August 15, 2010, Sir Toony and his friends from Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia
hosted an Open House for the Northern Virginia/DC area clowns and children's entertainers. Sir Toony
was responsible for sending out the email invitations to the event and invited as many of the areas
children's entertainers as he could.
It was an afternoon for new friends and old to get together. JCA provided had food, games, door prizes,
and more. This year, they expanded the Open House to include vendors. JCA invited Carol “Holiday” Coleman,
Jody Rodgers, Arla Albers, Metina Bongiovanni, and Paul Belanger to setup shop. JCA also had
Scott McDonald, aka Buggler, from the Society of American Magicians Assembly 252, give a short
magic show.
Each year, the members of JCA select a local charity to support with our time and a donation of
75% of the funds earned during the previous year. This year, JCA once again selected Safe Places, a
local charity that provides housing and other support to domestic violence survivors and their
children. JCA presented Safe Places with a check from JCA at the Open House.
City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade
Added: 19-December-2010
On Saturday, July 3rd, 2010, Sir Toony joined his friends from Just Clowning
Around of Northern Virginia and participated in the 44th Annual City of Fairfax Independence
Day Celebration by marching in their Independence Day Parade. JCA has been
participating in the parade for more than 15 years. Members present included: Big Red,
Tooter, Sir Toony, Ben and his friend, Chloe.
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
Added: 9-June-2010
On Monday, May 31st, Sir Toony joined two of his friends from JCA to participate in the
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade. Sir Toony decorated his tiny smart fortwo in patriotic
colors. He was joined by Big Red and Dot Com.
Infants and Toddler Connection Picnic
Added: 9-June-2010
On Saturday, May 22, Sir Toony represented JCA at the Infant & Toddler Connection Picnic at Van Dyck
Park in Fairfax. He entertained the kids with his face painting.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Added: 9-June-2010
On Saturday, April 17th, Sir Toony joined two of his friends from JCA to do face painting and
balloons at the YMCA's Healthy Kids Day. JCA members at the event included Pelukyta (face
painting and balloons), Big Red (face painting), and Sir Toony (balloons).
Vienna Baptist Church Carnival
Added: 9-June-2010
On Saturday, May 8th, 2010 Sir Toony joined three of his friends from JCA to entertain the children
at the Vienna Baptist Church carnival. Sir Toony did juggling and walk around clowning while his friends
Dot Com, Sweet Pickle, and Jimmy Peith did face painting.
Circus Magic 2010
Added: 7-March-2010
Mike continued his clown education by attending the
Circus Magic convention in Williamsburg,
VA in February 2010.
He took a balloon twisting Pre-Convention Workshop and several seminars on balloon twisting and working
in a restaurant. On Saturday, Mike entered the American Clown Idol competition with a skit starring his
clown character, Buzz Clownstrong the Astronut. Mike called the skit Clowns in Space. He came
in second place, but learned a lot by competing.
Mike created a video with highlights from Circus Magic.
Christmas 2009
Added: 22-December-2009
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Mike joined his friends from
Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia (JCA) and the
Kapitol Klowns
at holiday events for area children. Mike's first event was with three other
clowns from JCA, the Fantasy Flight at Dulles Airport. This was Mike's second time volunteering
at the Fantasy Flight. He went as his new clown character, Toony Snowflake. His next event was
the Annual Awareness Tree Lighting Event for the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. He
volunteered through Single Volunteers of DC to help with the food and made balloons after dinner.
His next event was a holiday party for Special Love with his friends from the Kapitol Klowns. He
went again as Toony Snowflake and did face painting. His final event was a holiday party for the
families served by Safe Places with his friends from JCA. He attended this event as Sir Toony.
Mike created a video of the JCA Clowns at the Fantasy Flight YouTube.
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Added: 5-December-2009
On Saturday, November 21st 2009, Mike joined his friends from the
Kapitol Klowns
and participated in the 12th Annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade in Downtown Silver
Spring, MD. The Kapitol Klowns had a great turnout with 21 clowns marching in the parade.
Mike went at Buzz Clownstrong.
Mike created a video of the Kapitol Klowns in the parade and posted it on YouTube.
Face Painting and Balloon Jam
Added: 15-November-2009
Mike and his friends recently started an new face painting and balloon jam at the
Cici's Pizza in Chantilly. They plan to meet at Cici's around 6:30pm one Monday each
month. Mike has been participating in other jams at the Cici's locations in Maryland, but
this will be much closer to home for Mike and several of his friends.
Halloween Spooktacular
Added: 15-November-2009
On Halloween, Saturday, October 31st, 2009, Mike Becvar dressed as Buzz Clownstrong, Astronut, and
participated in the South Riding Halloween Spooktacular. The Halloween Spooktacular has been
a South Riding tradition for many years. The day began with a costume parade that started at
the South Riding Golf Course and made its way down Upper Clubhouse to Center St. where it
turned towards the Town Hall. Mike managed to juggle most of the parade route. The parade
ended at the Town Green where there was a petting zoo, crafts for the kids, and a magic show.
Residents had a chance to enter into a costume
contest which included categories for children, adulds, and families. Mike came in 1st place in the
Adult Category and won a gift certificate to South Riding's Market Square. This was Mike's
second time winning a prize in the South Riding Halloween Spooktacular costume contest.
Vienna Halloween Parade
Added: 15-November-2009
On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, Mike Becvar joined his friends from Just Clowning Around and
participated in the 63rd Annual Vienna Halloween Parade. Mike went as his new clown character,
Buzz Clownstrong, Astronut. Begun in the 1940s by the Vienna
Businessman's Association (now the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce), the Parade was
originally a gathering of local kids so they could show off their costumes to the Town of Vienna.
Even now that the Parade draws big name entertainment and a crowd of ten of thousands. This year's
parade theme was "Vienna Celebrating Community Service".
Unlike last year when it was cold and a little rain was in the air, it was a great night for a parade.
Before the parade, Mike found several friends including the members of the Jim Moyer Circus Club,
the UniStars, and the Kena Klowns. JCA members in this year's parade included Sir Toony (Buzz
Clownstrong, Astronut), Pelukyta, Wiggy, and Moose (the Halloween ghost).
Kapitol Klowns Convention
Added: 15-November-2009
On October 16th and 17th, 2009, the
Kapitol Klowns
hosted a clown convention in Gaithersburg, MD and
celebrated their 40th anniversary. The theme of their convention was,
"40 Years of Funny Noses and Smiling Faces"
Mike is a member of the Kapitol Klowns and participated in their
convention. He attended lectures by Jim Howle, Dave Hill, Paula Biggio and other clowns.
Clownfest
Added: 15-November-2009
The week of September 16-20, 2009, Mike attended the Clownfest convention in Seaside Heights, NJ.
Mike was featured in a video loop that showed him juggling outside the convention registration. He
attended lectures on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and participated in the clown events on the
boardwalk on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, Sir Toony visited the arcades on the boardwalk, spent
an hour making balloons, and marched in Pricilla Mooseburger's Kazoo Band. He won an MP3 player
for his participation. On Sunday, Sir Toony marched in the clown parade.
Labor Day, 2009
Added: 11-September-2009
Sir Toony has been working hard. On Monday, September 7, 2009, he joined several members
of the Kapitol Klowns and participated in the City of Gaithersburg 71st Annual Labor Day Parade.
Sir Toony put together a brief video of the day.
Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp
Added: 14-August-2009
Sir Toony spent a week in Minnesota developing his clown character, learning new skills, and
spending time with his clown friends while attending
Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp (or Moose Camp). This year's camp was
July 28 - August 2, 2009. Sir Toony took the Birthday Parties and Show Routines course with Rex Nolen.
He also took workshops on clown movement, gag writing, and running a clown business.
As part of Moose Camp, Sir Toony was in the All Star Clown Show on Saturday, August 1st, 2009. He
played in Kazoo Band, performed in a juggling exposition, and played a baggage handler in the
Airport Gag.
4th of July, 2009
Added: 5-July-2009
Sir Toony has been keeping busy lately. On the 4th of July, he joined several members of Just Clowning
Around of Northern Virginia and participated in the City of Fairfax Independence Day Celebration Parade
2009. Sir Toony put together a brief video of the day. Sir Toony's alley came in 1st place for best
clown group in the parade.
Buddy - January 1, 1997 to May 19, 2009
Added: 23-May-2009
Sir Toony is saddened by the loss of his dog and best friend, Buddy. Sadly, Buddy passed away on
Tuesday, May 19, 2009. His memory will live on. Buddy was a collie-shepherd mix
born around January 1997. Buddy was adopted from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in September 1998
and was always a great companion. Several years ago, Buddy picked up the nickname, Sir Bud the Wise,
or Sir Bud for short, and that was the inspiration for the 'Sir' in Sir Toony Van Dukes.
Mike Becvar Takes Beginner's Magic Classes
Added: 13-April-2009
Sir Toony's friend, Mike Becvar, recently completed a five week Beginner's Magic Classes offered
by master magician Barry Taylor, owner of
Barry's Magic Shop. At the
end of the class, Mike performed a magic trick in the students magic show.
Circus Magic 2009
Added: 23-February-2009
Sir Toony continued his clown education by attending the
Circus Magic convention in Williamsburg, VA from
Friday, February 20th to Sunday, February 22nd, 2009.
He took the Face Painting Pre-Convention Workshop with Gary Cole from Snazaroo. He also took seminars
by Tom King (Comedy Magic for Kids), Dana Ryan (Close Up Magic for Clowns), Chagy (Move Like a Clown),
and Penne Sewall (Creating Clown Skits). On Saturday, Sir Toony entered his first clown competition
the American Clown Idol. He created his own three minute juggling and jokes routine overnight while
at the convention. The skit was a little rushed, but he got several compliments for his efforts.
He had a lot of fun and looks forward to being able to use some of the things
he learned at the convention.
I have more pictures from the Circus Magic convention on Mike Becvar's Website at Circus Magic 2009.
The Clown Network
February 10, 2009
I am beginning to create a new clown website that I call The Clown Network. The website is designed
to be a resource for professional clowns by providing links to clown organizations, conferences,
camps, and suppliers. It will also have information on related areas including magic, face painting,
balloon twisting, and juggling. Check out
The Clown Network.
Clown Cruise 2009
February 10, 2009
On January, 10th, I set sail on the Ruby Princess with a group of clowns on a Clown
Cruise. Earl Chaney, "Mr. Clown", was the guest host for the Clown Cruise. Other instructors
on the cruise included Linda "Flo" Hulet, Jim "Jimbo" Hunsinger and Bethany "Beppie" Lopez,
and Nicole "Maggie the Clown" Portwood. The group had about 35 clowns and 15 non-clown family
members. While on the cruise, I got to know several clowns and learned a few new balloons
and magic tricks. See some pictures from the Clown Cruise on Mike Becvar's website at
Clown Cruise 2009 Photos.
Fantasy Flight
December 2008
On Saturday, December 13th, 2008, Sir Toony joined three other members of JCA and
more than 100 area children on a magical journey to the North Pole as part of United
Arlines' annual Fantasy Flight at Dulles Airport. The program, started in
1990, takes children with life-threatening conditions and terminal illnesses from
hospitals and hospices across the region on a make-believe flight to visit Santa on
his home turf.
The JCA clowns were not the only celebrities at the event. Children were also
greeted by Ronald McDonald, SpongeBob SquarePants, Big Bird, and of course, the big
guy, Santa Claus and his wife Mrs. Claus.
Sir Toony Van Dukes entertained kids with jokes and juggling. Big Red and BooBoo did
face painting and cheek art at the North Pole. Sweet Pickles gave out temporary
tattoos.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Awareness Tree Lighting 2008
December 2008
On Saturday, December 6th, Sir Toony helped entertain children at the
Candlelighters
Childhood Cancer Awareness Tree Lighting event at the Old Post Office Pavilion
in Washington, DC.
The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation National Office was founded in 1970
by concerned parents of children with cancer. Their mission is to provide information
and awareness for children and adolescents with cancer and their families, to advocate
for their needs, and to support research so every child survives and leads a long and
healthy life.
Sir Toony is friends with one of the families who has been decorating the Old Post
Office Pavilion for the party. He helped put up the Childhood Cancer Awareness Tree
in 2007 and 2008. This year, they invited Sir Toony to come to the party and help
entertain the kids.