MOUNT VERNON — Adrenaline and excitement are the words Craig Miller uses to describe his job as a rodeo clown.
For 32 years, Miller has been telling jokes, having a good time, and making people laugh, all the while dodging bulls that tip the scales at between 1,200 and 2,000 pounds.
Becoming a rodeo clown chose Miller, he said.
“I got laid off from a job, I was going to quit and fight bulls (one of the clowns responsible for the safety of the rider) and then it happened, I was laid off,” Miller said.
What keeps a man walking into the arena night after night for 32 years?
“I love it. Making people laugh and having a good time,” said Miller, who hails from Millersburg.
He got his start in his hometown.
“They built an arena for the high school show,” Miller said. “I went up and did it (worked as a clown), and the phone has not stopped ringing.”
Miller did try his hand at riding.
“That did not go so well, I did not like that much,” he said.
The worst part of the job might be obvious.
“Getting hit, yeah, that is not great, but as clowns that is kind of what we live for. Back in the day, if we didn’t get hit it was not a good day,” he said.
In analyzing his job, Miller is an entertainer first.
“My job is to entertain the crowd. If we have an animal that is not cooperating, I try to take the attention off of that and on to me and make everyone laugh and have a good time,” he said.
The veteran clown did not venture a guess at the number of broken bones he’s endured over the years.
“There have been a few and a few pins, rods and screws,” he said with a smile.
Over the years, Miller’s job has changed.
“You’ll usually have two bullfighters up front, they are the ones most responsible for the protection of the guys unless something goes wrong and then I’ll step in, but that is not my role anymore,” he said.
One might think that dealing with huge, powerful animals would be the most difficult part of the job; but one would be wrong.
“Connecting with the audience,” Miller said is the hardest thing he does. “You tell a couple of jokes and see how they react to you and to the jokes you tell, and then that kind of takes you down the path you are going to go for the rest of the evening.
“When the crowd erupts, claps their hands, stomps their feet and laughs at the jokes.”
Dave Johnson, owner of Diamond J Rodeo identified what he looks for in a clown.
“I look for someone who is going to help the crowd enjoy the show,” Johnson said. “Their job is to keep everyone entertained between events, working as a filler.”
Johnson said that there is no doubt there can be danger in the job.
“It’s like everything else, you have to learn what to do and when to do it. What to do and what not to do and what is OK and what is not OK,” Johnson said.
Brylee Smith has been riding bulls for 13 years and is grateful for the clowns.
“They definitely help, especially when we embarrass ourselves or something,” Smith said. “They kind of help out, they can also embarrass you. Craig’s made fun of me a couple of times and I love it, I never get mad about it.”
There is one thing the clowns and riders can agree on.
“This is like a family out here, these people would do anything for you, if you needed help, they would be right there,” Smith said.
(Photos by Jack Slemenda)
