By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
A little clowning around went a long way for 8-year-old resident Dylan Lardi as he and joined the circus.
On May 25 and 26 Dylan had a lifetime experience when he joined the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars which was in town for performances that were sponsored by Manville Fire Company No. 1 as a fundraiser for the fire department .
Two years ago when the Coles Bros. Circus came to Manville, Dylan and his grandmother Gloria Toth went to see the tent being raised at Gerber Field for the circus performance. While there they met a circus worker but they didn’t know he was a clown because he was not in costume. He asked for Dylan to a mirror as he put on his clown makeup and that’s how it started.
This time, Marketing Director Bill Carter and fireman Ray Walsh met with Dylan and his family to make the little clown’s dream come true. Dylan made his debut on clown alley, by carrying in the American flag for the opening ceremonies and being in the center ring. He was in two shows both days.
Ring Master Chris Connors was excited to have Dylan in the circus.
”Dylan is going to be our guest clown and meet with Kaon, who is our boss clown,” Mr. Connors said. “Dylan is happy to be here and it is great to see someone that age to have so much enthusiasm for the circus especially clowning.”
Dylan joined clown Kaon, who is a 15-year veteran clown. The pair welcomed circus guests with juggling, tricks and posing for pictures.
”I feel good. I am being a clown. I love the circus and I love being in it very much,” Dylan said.
Dylan was given a clown name of Popcorn for the circus. His grandmother made his clown costumes but unfortunately she passed away the week before the circus. Her daughter, Dylan’s mother Lori Toth, said her mom would have loved this and Dylan still wanted to do it.
According to Dylan, he said he joined the circus again because “Bill came over and asked me if I wanted to be in it and I said, ‘OK let’s do it. “
Dylan tried to explain how he was feeling about being in the circus but he could only just say, “Fantastic, great, awesome, it is that kind of stuff.” He couldn’t wait to perform with all the other clowns.

