Kansas Governor Signs Proclamation for Museum's 40th Anniversary Celebration

Sedan, KS (PRWEB) May 30, 2007 -- A brief, but exciting ceremonial presentation was held May 24, 2007, in front of the Emmett Kelly Historical Museum located at 204 E. Main St., in Sedan, Kansas.

Gathered in curious anticipation were leaders and members of the community along with the Board Members of the Emmett Kelly Historical Museum. At the appointed time, Ed Henderson who had called everyone together, stepped up and proceeded to announce the reason for the gathering.

"On May 22, 2007, I received a letter in a large envelope, from the office of the governor of the state of Kansas. The letter, addressed to myself was from Charlene Downing of the Office of Governor Kathleen Sebelius. The letter started out with a thank you, for requesting a proclamation from the Governor for the 40th Anniversary of the Emmett Kelly Historical Museum and Largest Clown Gathering. The letter went on to state, 'The Governor of Kansas believes that proclamations are an excellent way of providing valuable education and information to the citizens of Kansas', and that she is pleased to assist our organization's efforts to involve our community and state. In conclusion, was the notice that the proclamation request had indeed been approved."

Then holding the signed proclamation up for all to see, Mr. Henderson read aloud the contents of the proclamation as follows:

State of Kansas

Proclamation of the Governor

TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, on December 9, 1898, Emmett Leo Kelly Sr., was born in the city of Sedan, Kansas, later in life becoming the famous Circus Clown, "Weary Willie" with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, performing nationally and internationally; and

WHEREAS, on June 23, 1967, the Emmett Kelly Museum was established under the auspices of the City of Sedan of Sedan, Kansas as a non-profit entity, collecting local and regional historic artifacts and in honor and memory of native son Emmett Leo Kelly Sr., now residing in the historical Sedan Opera House; and

WHEREAS, on June 20 -22, 2007 will launch the first annual Emmett Memorial Clown School of Performing Arts; and

WHEREAS, on June 23, 2007. the Emmett Kelly Museum and the City of Sedan, Kansas will host the "Largest Clown gathering" for the Guinness World Record(TM) in this category, as part of its 40th Anniversary Celebration honoring not only Emmett Kelly, but also Clowns worldwide for their contributions of entertainment, joy, and laughter; and

WHEREAS, these events have and will continue to contribute to the needs of the communities through service; and educating the public, the media and policy makers about the year-round contributions to historical preservation, of the Emmett kelly Museum and Sedan Opera House, of native Kansans, and of Clowns; and

WHEREAS, thousands of visitors are expected to attend or take part in these events, traveling throughout Kansas from various locations worldwide to Sedan, Kansas;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, do hereby recognize the 40th Anniversary of the Emmett Kelly Historical Museum and Largest Clown Gathering in Kansas and urge all citizens to recognize the immense and lasting impact that these events have had and will continue to have on Kansas communities.

DONE: At the Capital in Topeka under the Great Seal of the State this 15th day of May, A.D. 2007

(Signed)
BY THE GOVERNOR; KATHLEEN SEBELIUS
(and the) Secretary of State, RON THORNBURGH

After the reading of the proclamation, Mr. Henderson presented to the Mayor of Sedan, Gordon Willhite and to the Director of the Emmett Kelly Historical Museum, Roger L. Floyd, the signed document by the Governor. An enthusiastic round of applause and shouts of joy followed, by those attending.

Mayor Gordon Willhite observed, "Sedan's success is largely due to it's volunteers. We are grateful that the larger community of the State of Kansas recognizes our efforts and the progress we have made."

Later in a statement, the Director of the Emmett Kelly Historical Museum, Roger L. Floyd expressed his and the museum's Board of Directors appreciation;

"We would like to thank Governor Sebelius and her staff, for accepting and issuing this proclamation which had been submitted by Mr. Henderson in behalf of the museum, our community, and the state of Kansas.

This, 40th Anniversary of the Emmett Kelly Historical Museum and Largest Clown Gathering proclamation is a much needed and appreciated development in our efforts to to promote our 40th Anniversary Celebration. With the added attention, we believe it will greatly arouse curiosity and participation in the first annual Emmett Kelly Memorial Clown School of Performing Arts, June 21 -22nd and will better assure the breaking of the Guinness World Record TM, for the 'Largest Clown Gathering' by drawing more registered Clowns to participate in the parade, June 23, 2007, and many more visitors to our community and state, to attend these events. The "Largest Clown Gathering" Parade is FREE, although we are always happy to accept donations.

In addition we believe it will further expose the update and restoration efforts of the Historic Sedan Opera House and hopefully increase much needed funds from donors and sponsors for all of our ongoing programs.

We wish to thank the following supporters who attended and took part in the presentation ceremonies; Mayor of the City of Sedan: Gordon Willhite; Photographer: Michelle Jones; USD 286: Scott Hills; Sedan Chamber of Commerce: Jeannie and Shotgun Walker; Sedan Area Economic and Development Committee: Austin Floyd, Nita Jones, Nancy Turner, Liz Rees, Sue Kill, Dean McCann, Terry Ricketts; and the Emmett Kelly Museum, Board of Directors: Roger Floyd, Darla Lloyd, Ruth Sturges, Shirley Boulanger, and Ed Henderson."


Additional information for the, Emmett Kelly Memorial Clown School of Performing Arts and school registration forms; Largest Clown Gathering preregistration forms and rules of participation; the Update and Restoration program of the Historic Sedan Opera House; Donations and Sponsorships, Special event promotions, brochures along with additional information about Emmett Kelly Sr., and the museum can be obtained on the museum's web site at: http://www.emmettkellymuseum.com.

For tax purposes donations for the museum should be made out to: City of Sedan - Emmett Kelly Museum. If you have specific program intentions, please indicate so in the memo section. otherwise all donation will be placed into the museum's general fund.

Emmett Kelly Museum
204 E. Main St.
Sedan, Kansas 67361

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