Hosts of the 23rd Annual COAI 2008 International Convention April 15-20, 2008 Richmond, Virginia

In March 1969, Dr. Alvin ALVIN THE CLOWN Baum, the Alley's first President, gathered with representatives from 29 other Alleys from across the nation in  Baltimore , Maryland . On behalf of Virginia Alley #3, based in Richmond , Virginia , Dr. Baum received one of the original Clowns of America (COA) Charters. Starting with less than a dozen members, Alley #3 proudly boosts they are the oldest active chartered Clowns of America, International (COAI) alley During the 1977 COA elections, Dr. Baum was selected as a Regional Vice President. In 2004 Virginia Alley #3 celebrated their 35th anniversary.

The Alley continues to be based in  Richmond , Virginia , but its current membership extends through out Central Virginia . With the Alley's membership growing and spreading South of the James River and beyond, charity and fund raising activities are often held in and around the City of Richmond as well at the Tri-Cities area of Hopewell , Petersburg , and Colonial Heights . One of the many outstanding events in the Alley's rich history occurred in 1976 when the Alley hosted the 7th Annual National Clowns of America Convention (centered) in downtown Richmond,  Virginia , at the historic John Marshall Hotel . Workshops were presented that covered almost every phase of clown entertainment, from mime to magic. Large numbers of Alley #3 members have participated and placed in regional and international makeup, skit (single and multiple), and balloon competitions to include (but not limited to) the annual COAI convention competitions held throughout the nation, the Mid-Atlantic Clown Convention (Maryland), Southeast Clown Association (throughout the southeastern part of the country), Kapitol Klowns-Mideast Regional Convention (Maryland), Peachy University (Pennsylvania), Colonial Clowns Convention (North Carolina), and Circus Magic (Virginia).

Through Alley fund-raising efforts, philanthropic funds annually support the work of: SGT Santa of Richmond, Inc., Children's Home ofVirginia Baptist (in memory of Regina GIRL FRIEND Onley), Children's Hospital (in memory of Dr. Alvin ALVIN Baum), The Virginia Home, and ASK Children's Cancer Society as well as numerous other local children's charities. Throughout the year members generously donate their time and talents to such events as the Big Brothers-Big Sisters Duck Race on the James, Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, Children's Miracle Network Telethon, and the Virginia Special Olympics. Over the years, both basic and advanced clowning classes (held at local community colleges) have been supported by the Alley, not only to advance the art of clowning through practice and education, but also to perpetuate clowning in Richmond and the surrounding areas. Rain or shine, cold or snow, the smiling faces of Alley members have been noted along countless miles on parade routes throughout the Commonwealth. Alley members have participated in such noted parades as the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade (Winchester, Virginia), Central Virginia Azalea Festival Parade, Urbana Oyster Festival Parade, Grand Illuminated Autumn Harvest Festival Parade (Richmond's premier night parade), Ukrops-Richmond Merchants Association Christmas Parade (one of the largest Christmas parade in the country) and, in the early years of the Alley, the Thalhimers Christmas Toy Parade and the Tobacco Festival Parade (billed as the fifth largest parade in the United States). ;News articles about individual members, as well as the Alley as a whole, have been featured in newspapers through out the Commonwealth, on Richmond area television and radio, and in international magazines. Members have made guest appearances with Ringling Brothers-Barnum and Bailey Circus as well as the Pollock Brothers Shrine Circus, Christiana-Wallace Circus, Clyde Beatty Cole Brothers Circus and Circus Hope.

Past Presidents include: Alvin Baum, Tommy Smith, Jim Harding, Raymond Bullock, Beverly J. Liker Henley, Betsy Terry, Jackie Williams, Gale Taylor, Nancy Davis, Flossie Bruce, Winnie Russell, Ann Sanders, Regina Onley, Barbara Cox, Mike Cox, Eric Seidel, Sandra Winstead and Cynthia Kella. In the history of the Alley only four life memberships have been awarded. For their outstanding contributions to Alley #3 the honor has been bestowed upon Kathe L. CHARLIE Kachel, Dr. Alvin ALVIN Baum, Flossie FLOSSIE Bruce, and Winnie SWEET HEART Russell. Given for exceptional contributions to Alley #3 and/or to the art of clowning, honorary memberships have been presented to Woodrow C. WOODY Thomas, Harold C. SHORTY Horton, and Beverly J. FEATHER Henley.

Many of the names and faces of members have changed during the Alley's rich history but the love for clowning continues to endure. Operating as a non-profit, educational organization, the Alley's members are noted for their commitment to community service. Their contributions are a tribute to the true art of clowning.

Love for their fellow Alley members, for those for whom they perform, and for the art of clowning as a whole, has made the Clowns of Virginia Alley #3 very special.