The greater Trott family has a long tradition of being clowns and will dominate the parade this Saturday for the Clinton Lions Agriculture Fair. Seated around a poster of patriarch clowns are twin brothers Merle Trott, left, and Malcolm. In front row is Merle Trott Jr. and Makayla and Mike Bernardini and in back row are Coralie Spencer, left, and Ava Ladd.
Mike Bernardini has his clown face put on at the Clinton Lions Agriculture fairgrounds on Tuesday.
Merle Trott Jr., known as Tickles the Clown, speaks Tuesday from the Clinton Lions Agriculture fairgrounds about his family's interest in clown entertainment beside a poster showing his late father Merle Trott. In back is clown princess Coralie Spencer.
Makayla Bernardini, known as clown character Lovebug, paints the faces of princess clowns Coralie Spencer, left, and Ava Ladd at the Clinton Lions Agriculture fairgrounds on Tuesday.
Merle Trott, Jr., right, a.k.a. "Tickles the Clown," has continued the tradition of clowning begun 50 years ago by his father Merle Trott, Sr., center, and uncle Malcom Trott in 2006
The classic Volkswagen Beetle used by the Trott family clowns is seen during a celebration in Waterville in 1971. The family celebrates 50 years in the Clinton Fair parade this Saturday.
The Trott family clowns, seen here in 2001, celebrate 50 years in the Clinton Fair parade this Saturday.
The clown feet of Tickles the Clown and Lovebug are seen while their owners — Merle Trott Jr. and Makayla Bernardini — speak about the family tradition of clown entertainment in Clinton.
News 
