Doodlebug the Clown

I had the pleasure of working as a musician once back in the 90s at a private birthday surprise party somewhere out in Swankytown (West Austin) and one of my co-​performers was Doodle Bug the Clown. I have never forgotten how much fun Doodle Bug was, how professional, and what a privilege it was to share an event with her. When I am rich, I will hire her to perform at MY party! A true Austin tradition.

Let’s face it: Doodlebug is an Austin institution. These days, she’s clowning for kids whose parents have fond memories of her painting faces, twisting balloon animals, and stilt walking at THEIR birthday parties! And the fact that she’s been entertaining Austin kids for umpteen years shows in her unparalleled seasoned professionalism! Doodlebug has kids in the palm of her hand from the time she pulls up in her «Doodlebugmobile» until the very last face has been painted and the last balloon animal has been twisted.
Kids just plain love her, and, as we all know, kids know the difference between a creepy amateur clown and a nice, sweet, exuberant, grandmother-​like professional like Doodlebug. I recently overheard a little boy at a festival give a costumed face painter the once-​over, and announce, «That’s not the real Doodlebug! That’s a fake Doodlebug!» So, there you have it: to Austin kids (and some of us adults), Doodlebug is the be-​all & end-​all of clowns!