NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 8, 1997

TOWN WINS STATEWIDE

ARTS & HUMANITIES AWARD

CARY -- The Town of Cary Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources department’s 1997 Clown Camp has received the North Carolina Recreation & Park Society’s 1997 Arts & Humanities Award. The award was presented on November 9, 1997, at NCRPS’s annual conference in Charlotte, NC.

"We’re always proud and appreciative of such recognition," said Cultural Arts director Sarah Sheffield. "This particular program represents the variety and uniqueness of our services to the community."

At Cary’s Clown Camp, about 15 kids, ages 8 to 16, learned to be clowns by examining the vast traditions of the art. Participants studied costuming and makeup as well as how to develop skits, gags, and jokes. The clown training highlighted presentation, improvisation, and "traditional" magic.

While Cary has won the Arts & Humanities honor for six years, this is the first time the Town has been recognized in a higher population division. Town officials hope to be able to offer the Clown Camp again next summer.

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Sarah Sheffield, Parks/Rec/Cult. Resc. Dir., 460-4973

Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951

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