Checkers the Clown

2012 Events

2012-01-09T18:04:00.000-08:00

At Checkers Entertainment Services, we will provide you with the most professional service possible. Our promise to you is that you will be treated with a high standard of professionalism. We will work hard for you to ensure that your event is a huge success by traveling the world to educate ourselves with innovative ideas and services. By listening to your concerns, we offer our knowledge and resources to plan the entire event. We are adaptable and will create a detailed program to make you the “Star” at your next event.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We hope this finds you well and ready to kick start your event planning for 2012!

We are taking booking dates now to insure our loyal clients get the dates, services and entertainers required for 2012 events.

Did you know that we offer a variety of services and professional entertainers? Did you know that our staff will attend your event to supply popcorn, candy floss and snow cones? Did you know that we offer creative art workshops and laughter therapy presentations? Did you know that by the end of January we are booked 6 months – 1 year ahead? Don’t be disappointed. Book Early!

We appreciate all inquiries and work booked.

We look forward to working with your team this year.

Thank you

Sharon Bell
Entertainment Specialist

Checkers Entertainment Services
Professional Entertainers Working with your Team
Making Events Successful!
www.checkersentertainmentservices.com

2011 Readers Select Award Winner
Favourite Family Entertainers

Christmas is her time of the year

2011-11-27T10:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas is Her Time of Year

Article from Kawartha Life.net
By Karen Y. Hogg
Entertaining is what Fenelon Falls area resident Sharon Bell is all about. In 1999 she started working as Checkers the clown. As her business grew clients started asking for different services and eventually she developed Checkers Entertainment Services. As that grew Sharon started to hand-pick professional entertainers and services from conferences around the world and to date she has a variety of 350 professionals she can call on for any number of events.
Clients ask Sharon to use her creative abilities to fill all the needs for all the needs for their creative events including all the details. “As one Christmas season closes we start to think about what we can provide for the next season,” says Sharon, adding that clients book from six months to two years ahead and she gives her clients a reminder in June to book their event location, caterers and entertainment. “It’s important to get entertainers booked that early, and the clients appreciate the reminder.”
With 10 prime dates leading up to Christmas and not counting weekdays, Sharon says that the Christmas season, which starts right after Halloween and runs to the last Sunday before Christmas, probably accounts for more than half her yearly income. The other half comes from events for birthdays, all the major holidays like Family Day, Canada Day and events of all kinds. “If a customer has a theme, I can create and plan what will fill their event needs, although I don’t do anything sinful or immoral,” she laughs. She adds that she creates the costumes for whatever is required and her mom actually sews them for her and she now has more than 200 outfits.

Doing a count down, 12 weeks—9weeks—six weeks to the start of the Christmas season helps with organization and while clients may not have a specific date when they call they must have a tentative date. If calls come in early enough she can accommodate all the holiday and Santa events.

All of the events Checker’s Entertainment Services provide are family oriented with Santa and Mrs. Claus being amongst the most popular. “I have Juno Award winning musicians that provide family shows, and we have animal shows, birds of prey and farm animals to name a few of the types of entertainment provided. “We even have done a farm petting zoo on the third floor of a Toronto high rise. We have professional face painters, balloonists, glitter tattoos, loot bags, pick-a-pocket children’s entertainers and an improv show.” Along with all that, and depending on the event, there’s a portable sleigh, popcorn, candy floss and snow cone machines. Whatever the need, this lady can provide everything from caricaturists to mascots. Not all the parties are for children as Sharon does opening events for high rises, home builders and year end parties for companies and corporations.

Although Sharon still does many events herself she always makes sure to go to larger events where she might have as many as 15 entertainers hired, she recalls one recent event where they had to accommodate 500 or more people.

“I’m fortunate to have a hubby who drives everywhere, helps pack and unpack and is also part of the act,” she admits.

Asked why her business is so successful, Sharon says she believes that providing the customer with exactly what you say you are going to provide, being reliable, trustworthy and honest and getting back to people quickly when they call has all been part of the equation.

This year she won the 2011 Readers Select Award Winner Favourite Children’s Entertainment.

Being organized is also a big part of success and Sharon is a very organized person, she writes all the client proposals, agreements for service, contractors agreements with all the details, invoices and orchestrates all the details from insurance and mileage and costs analysis to booking contractors and seeing that costumes get to their destinations on time. “People think it looks easy but the prep work is costly and time consuming. Still she admits she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I like the excitement of the Christmas Season it’s a challenge to put together an event and see it come off successfully. If the clients are happy, the contractors are happy, the families are happy then I’m happy.”

Checkers Entertainment Services can provide events all across the county. One of her largest this year saw her put twenty-four entertainers across Canada, two per province from B.C. to Nfld., for a chain store event. Sharon also does creative art workshops and laughter therapy presentations for special interest groups.

Asked why she does what she does, Sharon says, “It fulfils and challenges the creative passion in me.”

Checkers Entertainment Services can be reached through our web pages

www.checkerstheclown.com

http://www.checkersentertainmentservices.com/

2011-11-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

Award Winning Checkers the clown is offering a January Special Promotion!!!
50% off January Birthday Parties booked before December 31, 2011. Don't be disappointed book your party now!

One Checkers Team Available for July 30 and 31, 2011

2011-07-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

We have one professional entertainment team available for July 30 and 31, 2011.

Don't be disappointed for future events. Book early. Frequently, our professional entertainers we are booked 6 months - 1 year ahead.

We are the Readers Select Award Winner for Favourite Family Entertainers 2011

We have 350 entertainers that work on our professional teams.

We will travel to your events.

Shows, Musicians, Magicians, Strolling Entertainers, Face Artists, Balloonists, Deluxe Glitter Tattoos, Games, Carnival Candy Floss, SnoKones, Fresh Popcorn, Carmel Corn, Stilt Walkers, Jugglers, Animal Shows, Pony Rides, Mascots, Themed Events, Creative Art Workshops, Laughter Therapy Presentations and much more................

Contact us today!

705-878-6852

Yes we do have entertainers that perform at birthday parties.

2011-07-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Have you thought about planning your party yet?

Did you know that there are only 10 prime days to book Christmas Parties?

Award winning “Checkers Entertainment Services” is a professional, reliable entertainment service you can trust. We are here to make your job easier, your seasonal party merrier and to create a fantastic celebration. Checkers Entertainment Service can solve your entertaining problems for this Christmas Season and for the coming events.

Don’t be disappointed book your location and entertainers early!!

Let us take the hassle out of planning your event. Call us now to see what we can do to assist

We do have some dates available.
Contact Checkers Entertainment Service say or type "HOH HOH, HOH" and ask for your free proposal for your seasonal party..... You’ll get the $100 off with minimum 3 hour booking. Call today "HOH, HOH, HOH”! email us through our web page.

Peoples Choice Award at the Lindsay Gallery

2011-07-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

I need your vote! Please vote for Sharon Bell's aka Checkers painting in the Peoples Choice category at the Lindsay Gallery. The Gallery is located upstairs (there is an elevator) 190 Kent St W., Lindsay On Open Tues - Sat 10 - 11:30 Am and 12 - 4 PM. This painting was one chosen out of 79 entrys. It is being exibited until July 30. This is the first time that I have entered a piece on my art and I feel very honored to be picked to exhibit at this Annual Juried Show.

Creative Art Works!
Register now to reserve your spot this fall!

One stop shopping for all Summer Events!

2011-06-01T05:34:00.001-07:00

Clowns, Magicians, Stilt Walkers,Face Painters, Balloonists, Carnival Games, Carnival Candy, Tattoos, Kid Friendly Entertainers, Shows, Magicians and more!

Let us make your job easier planning your next event!

Contact us today! Quote CELEBRATE SUMMER, ask for a free proposal. You'll get our summer promotion of $100 off your next event with a minimum if 3 consecutive hours booked!

Popcorn, Candy Floss, Snow Cones! Our Professional Team!

2011-05-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Remember when you could only get fresh candy floss, popcorn and snow cones once a year when the carnival came to town. It was a delightful treat time for everyone! Now all your guests can have fun filled memories eating yummy treats at all your events.

Our Fresh Popped Popcorn comes complete with replica of an antique popcorn popper with the cart. Fresh popcorn servings include the popcorn bags, kernels, oil and salt.

Our Fresh Cotton Candy Floss machine sits on a table at just the right height so your guests can actually see the floss form through a see through bubble cover. Fresh cotton candy floss includes the specially premixed sugar and the floss sticks.

Our Cold and Delicious Snow Cones machine creates the snow. The see through container keeps the ice cold. The Snow Cone machine sits on a cart that will contains the flavors for the Snow Cones. The SnoKones come with 2 flavored syrups ith pumps, cups, spoon straws and the ice.

Our attendants can come dressed themed for your event. In addition they are all friendly, courteous and professional.

We supply a free poster for every event booked!
Don’t be disappointed book early!!!

Time is Running Out to Book All Summer Events!

2011-05-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

SOON THE RAIN WILL STOP AND THE SUN WILL BE HOT! EVERYONE WILL BE SCRAMBLING TO GET THEIR ENTERTAINMERNT FOR SUMMER EVENTS. DON'T DELAY FINALIZE YOUR ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS. BOOK THE CHECKERS TEAM TODAY!

COMPANY PICNICS, FUN FAIRS, FESTIVALS, LIBRARY SHOWS, SNOKONES, FRESH POPCORN, CANDY FLOSS, CLOWNS, FACE DESIGNS AND MUCH MORE............WE HAVE A RESOURCE OF OVER 350 ENTERTAINERS WE CAN FILL YOUR ENTERTAINMENT AND PARTY PLANNING NEEDS.

CALL 705-878-6852 OR EMAIL US THORUGH OUR WEB PAGE
www.checkersentertainmentservices.com

Yes we do birthday parties!

Kids Help Phone Fundraising Event in Peterborough

2011-05-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks again for being at our Walk, everyone says you were amazing! I’ve attached a cute photo of you and the Boston Pizza mascot, Lionel.

Keep in touch,
Mikaela

Mikaela Lefaive | Coordinator, Community Fundraising and Corporate Development
Kids Help Phone Ontario Regional Office 439 University Avenue, Suite 300 Toronto, ON M5G 1Y8
Phone: (416) 581-8966 Toll Free: (800) 268-3062 Ext.8966

A very rare find!

2011-04-27T18:05:00.001-07:00

Very rare find in excellent working condition. It is for sale asking $1000.00. Message me or Contact me through www.checkerstheclown.com

What to expect from Checkers Entertainment?

2011-04-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

What you can expect from our entertainment service is happy, joyous audiences laughing for the fun of it. That’s what happens when you engage “Checkers Professionals” to entertain with fun, nonsense, gaiety and laughter.

Checkers Entertainment Service has been honoured with the following awards: the “Innovative Business Award” presented by the Small Business Center,“Outstanding Business Award” presented by the Chamber of Commerce and most recently "Readers Select Award Winner" Favorite Childrens Entertainment. We are very excited that we have been nominated for the Rotman Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award. When you want the "Best" contact us to create a proposal for your next event. http://www.checkerstheclown.com/

Easter Bunnies Hopping Around!

2011-03-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Checkers Easter Bunnies will be out HOP! HOP! HOPPING!

Checkers Easter Bunnies will be Face Painting at the following locations!

April 16 2011 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Anchors Bar and Grill - Indoors

5074 Rice Lake Drive

Bewdley, Ontario

Call Donna to make your reservations 1-905-797-2771

April 23, 2011 from 1 PM - 3:30 PM

Lindsay Square Mall - Indoors

401 Kent St. W.

Lindsay, Ontario

April 23, 2011 from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Downtown Orillia Management Board

Location of event is at Orillia Opera House - Outside

20 Mississauga St. W.

Orillia, On L3V 6K8

Checkers the Clown Dancing with some Cute Chickens!

2011-03-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Creative Art Energy Workshop

2011-03-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

We are once again taking registrations for our creative art energy workshops. We have six seats left. The date of the workshop will be determined when the seating is full. All supplies, fresh fruit, veggies and a delicious lunch will be included. Accomdations can be made locally. Call 705-878-6852 or email for more information

Checkers the clown - Biography

2011-03-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Let’s go on a journey with Checkers the clown!!!

Hi!! My name is “Checkers” the clown. I was born on the Back Track Race Track. Do you know where that is?

That’s on the back of the racetrack where all the cars go round and round. Do you watch car racing?

It was the first day of race season the day when I was born. My mommy was racing cars! My mommy came in off the racetrack. She had me and then she went out to win the checkered flag. That’s why my name is “Checkers” the clown.

My mother’s name is Elizabeth but I call her Mommy. Her friends all call her “Dizzie Lizzie”…….. because she gets dizzy racing cars round and round the racetrack.

My dad is a wonderful man. He’s the guy that changes my moms’ tires. Mommy comes in off the racetrack. Daddy jacks her car up and puts new tires on. The new rubber on my mommy’s car helps her to win more races. My dads name is “Jack”. Cause he’s the jack man

Well, I have a sister and her name is “Sweetie Bird”. The day “Sweetie Bird” was born my mommy was having her motor rebuilt. My sister was born in a tree, were not sure where. My sister builds carburetors; she’s a little different. Do you have a sister that’s a little different? You do!? So do I !!! I love my sister.

I have a brother and his name is “Slick”. He looks like a grease spot on the back of the racetrack. Do you know why he looks like a grease spot? I ran over him too many times when I was testing mommy’s racecar. He’s always in the way. Do you have a brother that’s always in the way? But you love him just the same. I love my brother!!

Well, late last week we were on our way to your town. Did you see us? We saw a tire on the side of the road in the ditch. Have you ever look into a tire in the ditch? We did!!!! We stopped and looked into that tire and do you know what we found? We saw another clown! His name is “Retread” and he’s over 80 years old. We adopted him into our family and we love him very, very much!!

We were just going to pull away from that tire and I saw something move. I yelled “Mommy Stop”. She stopped. I jumped out of the car and saw a little hand waving. Lets see your little hand wave. Yes, it was just about your size. It was a baby clown and her name is “Special”. We took her into our family too. Sometimes she goes in parades. If you see her with “Checkers” wave and say “Hi Special”

One day when it was raining on the race track. Checkers started to help her mommy to sort out the toolbox. Checkers found a spark plug in the toolbox drawer. She asked her mom where the spark plug had came from. Checkers mommy smiled and replied my sister; “Bubble Gum Bonnie” gave me that spark plug for a good luck at my very first race. Checkers handed the spark plug to her mom and to their surprise the spark plug started to shake. A miracle started to happen!! A huge big pink heart shaped bubble started to grow. It grew and grew and grew and until it popped! There right before our eyes was Checkers first cousin. They named her “Spark Plug” But I call her “Sparks” for short because she sparks fun for everyone.

I have a Grandma and my dad calls her “Dipstick”. I don’t know what a dipstick is. But when we call her “Grandma Dipstick” she just smiles. She loves us all.

Oh yes, I must not forget about my other brother. My mommy was racing really, really fast and her race car backfired. The tail pipe made a big puff of smoke. To our surprise and mommy’s too my brother pipes came out of the smoke. My dad says he was born full of hot air. I think he must have been!! I love to hear his stories about our family and what is happening on the racetrack. We call him “Pipes”.

Checkers has a very best friend. His name is “Pit Stop Pete”. He’s the guy that flags the racecars on and off the racetrack to the pit area. Do you know why he’s my best friend? He can keep a secret. He never tells my mommy what she’s getting for her birthday from me.

We have a cat and a dog in our family. The cat’s name is “Muff” and the dogs name is “Ler”. Our neighbours think our family is a little strange. When mommy goes outside at night with the cat and dog she calls them by name. It sounds like this “Muffler, here Muffler its time to go to bed”. The neighbours all think she’s talking to the muffler on the car. It doesn’t matter what the rest of the world think as long as we all love each other.

We have two air pigs in our house. One is blue and his name is Elwood, the other is pink and her name is Windbag. They have amazing tails that blow balloons up. These little piggy's are fun to have around!!!!

Checkers has a friend that lives in her suitcase. The friends name is Fast Freddie. Checkers met Fast Freddie at the zoo when he was a gorilla. Foolishly, Checkers gave Fast Freddie a peck on the cheek. Fast Freddie magically turned into a frog!!!! So don’t ever peck your gorilla friends on the cheek they might turn into frogs. Then you’ll have to carry your friends in a suitcase everywhere you go!!!!

This is Checkers the clowns’ family and friends. They all have fun together and race on the Back Track Race Track.

Just remember wherever you go in this world there is a very special place for you.

Its fun, its exciting and your life will be amazing if you follow your dreams.

Even if you feel different!

Never Give Up!

2011-03-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

CHECKERS THE CLOWN - CHECKERS ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES

HISTORY AND GROWTH

In 1996 I enrolled in a personal interest course to be educated as a performer called Checkers the clown. This character was gained through an eight week educational course that was to act as a hobby. From this course identified an amazing journey that started to unfold. Checkers the clown started to get calls to perform at parties. At this point in my life I was a real person and a paid employee. My work schedule did not permit me to accept all bookings for Checkers the clown at events.

In 1997 the company I was working for moved to the United States. I was laid off my job. This enabled me through a learning process to identify my marketable strengths and that my hobby as Checkers the clown could be a viable business.

In 1998, I researched the necessary steps to own and operate my own business. This knowledge was very valuable to enable me to follow my passion of performing while gaining an insight into operating a successful business. The end result was I had to write a business plan. Ten out of 10 people agreed that my business plan would lead me to success.

In 1999 my business as Checker the clown took off with tiny steps in order to fill big shoes. As my business started to grow I identified that I was only one person. My clients started requesting that I assist with planning events planning. Thus Award Winning Checkers the clown grew into Checkers Entertainment Services and offered a variety of entertainers and services.

As a professional business operator I am committed to travel to conferences, gatherings, events etc. to research and seek only professional entertainers to work on my team. I work with very high standards.

In preparing the history and growth of my company I asked my contractors, agencies, entertainers the following question: What do I do differently that you appreciate.

This was their response:
1) We are paid fairly for each & every event
2) Shows extra appreciation with additional niceties such as: Timmie’s Gift Cards, pays for Coffee/Beverages, and keeps all our costumes and props clean (I do this so the entertainer can have a coffee and something to eat on the way home from an event)
3) Depending on job & location of, drives her own vehicle and takes us with her.
4) Supplies equipment & extra props for all events
5) Contracts are well written, & always have detailed instructions, & directions, etc.
6) Always conducts herself in a Positive, & Professional manner no matter what the situation.
7) Is absolutely on every occasion a pleasure to work for!!!

I am so proud of the Checkers Entertainment Teams!!!

My loyal teams, my fans, my clients and my family are the success of my business!!!!

In closing if you find yourself in a tight spot. Never Give Up! No matter what age you are or what you look like or where you live. You can be whatever you want to be!!! There is a rainbow out there with a pot of gold just waiting for you! Don't be afraid! Reach out and catch your DREAM!

Rules for Clowning

2011-03-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Never ever tell who is behind that face of a clown. This is a clown secret and a trust between friends. If you know your friend has another real name do not call him/her by that name when they are clowning. Or if your friend is not clowning do not call him/her their clown name.

As you learn to develop the clown in you it is a must to learn the right way to apply make up.

Never make fun of another clown’s make up or costume before or during an event.

If you’re ever asked about clowning, be willing to help other clowns using all the tips you have learned.

Always keep your acts and behaviour in good taste. That means don’t make fun of other people. Good clowns always make fun of themselves not other people.

Don’t use foul language, drink alcohol, take drugs, eat in public or smoke as a clown. Always conduct yourself in an orderly manner. You have to set a good example for the rest of the world.

Always be on time for any activity for which you are clowning.

Be understanding and “back off” from someone who doesn’t wish to be approached by a clown.

Take care of yourself—be in good physical and mental condition.

Be neat, clean and well groomed. Costumes should be neat, clean and appealing to the eye.

When a clown gives away a smile, he /she gets lots and lots in return. Make others feel good.

Always allow at least one hour before show time and let that clown wake up in you as you prepare yourself.

Be sure to stay in clown character when clowning in public. When you finish your appearance always remove your costume and make up as quickly as possible and get back to being a real person.

Remember that, as a clown, you are a representative of all clowns throughout history when you perform.

Clown Prayer

2011-03-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

Clown Prayer

As I stumble through this life, help me

to create more laughter than tears,

dispense more happiness than gloom,

spread more cheer than despair.

Never let me become so indifferent that

I will fail to see the wonder in the eyes

of a child or the twinkle in the eyes of

the aged.

Never let me forget that my total effort

is to cheer people, make them happy and

forget at least momentarily all the

unpleasantness in their lives.

Author Unknown

Checkers Says: Always Remember!

2011-03-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

Always remember

No matter

Who you are

Or where you live

Or what you look like

You are a Winner!

You are very SPECIAL in this world!

Have Fun at whatever you do!

www.checkerstheclown.com
705-878-6852

2011 AWARD WINNING CHECKERS THE CLOWN

2011-03-05T05:19:00.000-08:00

2011 READERS CHOICE AWARD WINNING CHECKERS THE CLOWN

The goal for Checkers the clown is to provide the most professional entertainment service possible. We operate with a very high standard of morals and ethical behavior when working with our customers, clients and entertainers. We travel the world to educate ourselves with innovative ideas and services. We listen to all the needs for your event. We will supply our knowledge and resources to plan the entire event. We are adaptable and will create a detailed program to make you the “Star” at your next event.

We have many services to offer as well as many professional entertainers and speakers that are ready, available and will travel. Frequently, our teams are booked 6 months – 2 years ahead.

We have early booking incentives. Contact us today to see what we can do for you. 705-878-6852 or send us a message.

Party Planning? Checkers Gives Ten Kid-Friendly Party Tips!

2011-02-26T04:33:00.000-08:00

Kid Friendly Party Tips from Checkers the Clown.
Want to know the secret to successful childrens' parties? As Checkers Professional Entertainers, we've found these tips go a long way to ensuring party success:

Anticipation Builds Excitement! Start the party at least one half hour before your Checkers Professional Entertainer arrives. Play a game from from our Checkers the Clown FREE Kids Party Pack available when you register for our Free Checkers the Clown Kids Club eNews.
Name tags: Everyone likes to hear their name. Use our Free Printable Name Tags.
Highlight your entertainment: Keep food, and gifts till the end.
Set the stage:Turn off all televisions, radios and stereos.
Camera ready? You'll want to capture all the unexpected surprises Checkers Entertainment Professionals bring to your party. Keep your camera handy, and loaded with fresh film and batteries. Sign up for our Free Checkers Entertainment Party eNews for great photography tips.
Help kids hear: You want the most for your entertainment dollar. Children need quiet to focus, so don't make them strain to hear your Checkers Entertainer. Minimize adult noise.
Open the Gifts: Give satisfaction to curiousity. See our Checkers the Clown FREE Kids Party Planner for tips to help recipients graciously accept gifts.
Food as a Finale: Send them home with a sugar buzz!!!! Your day will be less stressful.

NO SMOKING!!!! Keep it fun for everyone. Some children and adults are allergic to cigarette smoke.

Don’t sweat the small stuff!!! Clean after guests leave. ENJOY THE DAY!!!!!

Don’t be disappointed, book early!!!