Inside clown camp

In this July 31, 2012, photo, Julie Varholdt, aka "Lovely Buttons," poses for a portrait at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif. The week long event is held for clowns across the United States and Canada to learn, get inspired, and network.

In this July 31, 2012, photo, Laura Sicklesteel, or "Molly the Clown" puts on makeup while getting into character at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif.

In this July 31, 2012, photo, Julie Varholdt, or "Lovely Buttons" the clown, teaches a course on how clowns can entertain with everyday objects in a pinch at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif.

In this July 31, 2012, photo, Julie Varholdt, or "Lovely Buttons" the clown, performs an example while teaching a course on how clowns can entertain with everyday objects in a pinch at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif.

In this July 31, 2012, photo, Morgan Thacker is taught by fellow campers how to make balloon animals at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif.

In this July 31, 2012, photo, Bob Neil, aka "Kiwi" the clown, gestures after making the finishing touches on his costume at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif.

In this July 31, 2012, photo, Deanna Hartmier, aka "Dee Dee" the clown, center, offers tips to Patricia Jannell, aka "PJ" the clown, and Carol Feldhelm, aka "Dizzy Daizy" the clown, during a face painting class at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif.

In this July 31, 2012, photo, Donna Hofstee, aka "Dizzy Darla" the clown, demonstrates face painting techniques on Jose Morales, or "Cascarita," at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif.

In this July 31, 2012, photo, "Molly" the clown listens during a course on how clowns can entertain with everyday objects at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif.

In this July 31, 2012, photo, clown shoes are for sale at Jose Morales's, or "Cascarita" the clowns' table in the dealer room at the third annual Clown Campin' in Ontario, Calif.