No clowning around for Kautz at Founders Days

For the first time in more than a dozen years, Jerry Kautz is leaving his clown suit behind for Founders' Days 2008.

After all, as the festival's honoree, it wouldn't be appropriate to show up in floppy shoes and makeup.

The Founders' Days board of directors selected Kautz as the event's honoree because of all the work he's done to benefit residents, said President Kevin Myers.

As part of the honor, Kautz will be among the first people you'll see in Saturday's parade.

Not only is Kautz the village's longtime clerk, but he has spent years volunteering for the Founders' Days.

As Klutzo the Clown, Kautz brought cheer to many people by performing in hospitals and nursing homes.

He also has volunteered at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church as a youth adviser for its clown troupe and as a church spokesman when some members were aboard a hijacked TWA airplane, for the local Lions Club chapter and as a co-coach for the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Soccer Association.

"It was only fitting that this year we name him Founders' honoree," Myers said.

Kautz, humbled by the accolades, says other people in town are far more deserving of the honoree title than he, so he's accepting it in their honor.

For more than a dozen years, Kautz appeared in the parade as Klutzo the Clown.

Last year, Klutzo, the parade's grand marshal in the early 2000s, was reborn as Lazybonz, a joker who has yet to make his public debut.

"You know, it's going to be strange," Kautz said of not attending the parade in full clown regalia. "It's an honor and I'm looking forward to it but at the same time, I'm kind of sad because it'll be the first time in the parade not as a clown."

"I wish I could be there and be Lazybonz at the same time."

To be sure, some people may have a hard time recognizing Kautz in civilian gear.

"It's my 14th year and it'll be my first time seeing him without his clown clothes on," Myers said.