22 Years Of Clowning Around

Photo Austin H. Armistead At the start of his 22nd year marching in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Joe William Ricevuto of Jackson Heights sends holiday greetings to the Gazette.

It was rainy, windy and cold on Thanksgiving Day 2006, but Joe William Ricevuto thoroughly enjoyed his 22nd year as a clown in the annual Macy's Parade. "There I was, wet wig, baggy pants and a dog leash-with no dog," he said. "Marching along the parade route in the rain, I told people the 'dog' was a poodle. When I came up to a police officer, I said the 'dog' was a police dog. A lot of laughs and fun were had by all."

The parade route through Manhattan is two and a half miles long, but Ricevuto said he was having so much fun with kids and people of all ages along the route, "it seemed like a stroll to 82nd Street", not far from his Jackson Heights home.

"Once again, the highlight of my year already came to me," he said. "I can't wait for my 23rd year as a clown in the Macy's Parade. Meanwhile, have fun, be happy, smile, and Happy Holidays!"