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National Reading Month, at Core” at America’s Thanksgiving
churches, parades, festivals, at Day Parade in Detroit. She
Midwest Clown conventions, the also volunteers for the “Bob-
Michigan State Fair, and Family Nobble Gobble” which is a black
Variety Arts events. tie fundraiser for the parade
company.
Nancy is a proud member of the
Deleware-Lenape First Nation. Nancy has been the historian for
She performed magic, balloons, the Midwest Clown Association
traditional dance and glitter for the past 10 years. She is also a
tattoos at many gatherings for the MCA Certified Competition Judge
Native American children at the and also has judged at Shrine
Muncee-Delaware Nation. Nancy Clown competitions.
is proud of her Native American
heritage. She entertains at WCA Past President Deanna
pow wows and various events Hartmier says, “I met Nancy
throughout the Native American about 30 years ago at a Midwest
Community. From 1991 to the Clown Roundup where I
present she has shared her observed her as a "shy" Whiteface
talents at the American Indian clown. She certainly has grown
Communities Leadership Council to be a Bubbly "Bubbles" the
for their annual American Caring Clown....always giving
Indian Festival. (Interestingly, to others with her caring heart
this is where Bubbles got her and talents, always sharing her
name …when she was playing shining smile in a positive way,
with Bubbles). sharing her compassion for
clowning, and yet she keeps on learning by attending
Nancy has fought for those who are fighting battles workshops and conventions to keep current!”
in life. And she has the courage and resilience to
fight having herself being diagnosed with breast As Jane Swiggum says, “Nancy is always ready to
cancer in 2015. Through it all, she knew that lend a helping hand and support clowning
“laughter may be the best medicine,” and she from the First of Mays…to the seasoned
continued to bring smiles and hope to others. clowns! She takes the time to teach,
Today, Nancy continues to be celebrating 8 direct and nurture other
years cancer free! members of her alley into
being the best clowns we can be.
She brought joy to Four Chaplin's In 2005, Nancy was inducted into
the Midwest Clown Association Hall
American House retirement/ of Fame and continues to support and
encourage others to strive toward the
rehabiliitation homes, and took her ELF same goal.”
to the airport for the "Fantasy Flight April Sands, Nancy’s cousin, says,
“Nancy loves being BUBBLES …
to the North Pole.” This event brings her giving nature is shared by all
whether she’s Nancy or BUBBLES.
children afflicted with cancer from
She loves dealing with the children.
several local hospitals to the Metro- The children are never afraid of her.
Children sense her giving nature.”
Detroit airport to experience a
We thank Nancy, and honor her, for
fun-filled day of wonder. Nancy the positive difference she is making
in this world through her clowning.
participated in this in 2019 and
We celebrate Nancy Opatich as
this past holiday season. WCA’s 2023 Clown of the Year.
She provided balloon art for worldclown.com 17
underprivileged children at
the Salvation Army Harbor
Light in Detroit.
She is a clown make-up artist
for the “Distinguished Clown
