Joy and laughter were at the center of the ring for The Watermark at Morrison Ranch’s circus-themed sixth anniversary party.

Residents of the senior living community clowned around during the festivities complete with games and food in the spirit of a classic carnival Aug. 8. Those in attendance were given red-clown noses to wear and keep as souvenirs. 

For some residents and associates, the connection to the circus theme ran even deeper than a single joyous night. Pam Weymann, a concierge at the community front desk, developed a love for the art of clowning at a young age.  

“This was back when clowns weren’t scary,” she said jokingly. “I grew up in Utah, and as a family we used to attend the holiday parades. I loved the clowns. So, when I grew up, I decided I would like to be one. I went to a clown training class and learned some tricks of the trade.”  

She took her skills to the local parades with a face of clown makeup and a costume sewn by her and her mother.

“I would walk, skip, and run in the parades doing cartwheels, greeting the children and adults, and passing out candy and balloons that I carried in the pockets of my costume. I loved seeing the delighted looks on the faces of the children as well as the grown-ups.” 

Not only was Weymann delighted by the circus theme but one resident, Marie Heaton, 93, felt wonderful memories come back to her.

Heaton and her husband, a pediatric family physician, adopted five children and as a result, she was active in the school PTA. During the many fundraisers and school events, she started dressing up as a clown to raise spirits and keep people laughing.  

She even stopped by her husband’s practice once dressed in her big wig, bright red shoes and full makeup to pick something up, much to the delight of the patients in the waiting room.

A self-proclaimed jokester, Heaton has a simple outlook on life: "You can either be unhappy and miserable or you can decide to be happy and do fun things for others!" 

When she heard that after the anniversary party there were leftover noses, she knew the perfect surprise for her family when they came to visit over the weekend for her birthday. 

“She could not wait to surprise her family with her red clown nose from our party to bring back fond, funny moments she shared with her kids.” said Rebecca Mitchell, Morrison Ranch community life director. “I guess once a silly clown, always a silly clown. She said this was the best party she has been to, and she is blessed it was the same month as her birthday.”