Kids Halloween Party Games

Halloween is only days away and I am sure your kids are all getting very excited about the event. Although Halloween has not been very popular in South Africa, the interest is growing every year. Zimbo has put together a list of great Halloween games you can play with your kids this year. read more

Time for Kidney Beanz Spinathon 2009 at Broadacres

Join us at the Broadacres Shopping Centre on the 10th October for the Kidney Beanz Spinathon 2009. This years event will be in the parking lot outside the Virgin Active and once again many generous people will ride various machines to support these kids with severe kidney disease. read more

Introducing Cowboy Zim

Cowboy Zim is a new Clowning Around character who is energetic and full off life. This rodeo cowboy clown is great with young kids and is now performing for nursery and pre-schools all over Joburg. read more

Super Weekday Kids Entertainment Discount

I have decided to kick start my first month of full time clowning off with a huge discount for week day parties between 18th August-18th September. Zimbo will be giving whopping discounts off any party booked Monday through Friday during this period.

Hold on, there is more. Zimbo has come up with a special school show for every kids age group between 4yrs-11yrs. Schools can choose what sort of entertainment they want. It can be an educational show or a show of just plain comedy and fun.

Schools will also be able to choose to have Zimbo perform in front of the whole school or class by class.

Discount Details

1hr Magic Show:
Fantastic Comedy Clown Magic Show
Target: Primary School (6-11yrs)
Audience: Whole School (hall activity)
ONLY R700

40min Show + 20min Balloons Sculpting
Comedy Magic Show and Balloons
target: All ages 4-11yrs
Audience: Class Room Shows
ONLY R500

1hr/2hr Private Kids Parties
1hr: Magic Show and Balloons
2hrs: Magic, Balloons and Face Painting
Audience: All Ages
1hr ONLY R500 / 2hrs ONLY R800

Please Note: Above prices are only valid from 18th August - 18th September 2009 and only for shows performed Monday-Friday (No weekend discounts)

It is the schools responsibility to provide sound equipment for performances with more than 50 kids.

Take Care
Zimbo

Zimbo is now a full-time clown for kids events, school carnivals and more

I am delighted to tell you that as of the 17th August I will become a full time kids clown. That's right, Zimbo will be available as a clown during the week for kids parties, nursery schools, school events and anything else that may require his skills.

Nursery Schools:

Be the first to wow your kids with a performance by Zimbo the Clown. If you don't feel like teaching for the day then give Zimbo a call, the show can be both educational or just plain fun.

School Events:

Are you having a school function such as a carnival, funfair or gala and need someone to entertain the kiddies. Zimbo can come in and dazzle with magic shows, face painting or crazy balloon sculpting. Zimbo and his friends can provide everything from entertainers down to the popcorn machine.

Kids Events:

If you are putting on a childrens event for your complex, your church, your kids camp or any other kids event then give me a call, I will put on a professional kids show and offer any of my skills to assist you in the event.

Birthday Parties:

Finally I can answer to your plea's to do kids parties during the week. Zimbo's now famous birthday show is available EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK. Please be sure to book at least 2 weeks ahead or I may already be all booked up.

Thank you to all the parents, kids and fellow clowns who have made this dream a reality. It is because of your tremendous response I am able to venture out of my comfort zone and do what I love every day of the week. What started out as a hobby, has grown into a full scale business because of your feedback and requests to be available for kids parties every day. I promise to keep my shows fresh and dazzling.

Take Care
Zimbo

Help Zimbo get 1000 fans on Facebook

Zimbo decided to get a nice cool name on Facebook but was greeted with a message from FB that 1000 fans was needed in order to get one of those cool vanity URLs. Seems you have to be really popular to get one so please go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbo-the-Clown/81591421402 and become a fan. The page has more of Zimbo's pictures as well as fan art from the kids and other cool stuff. Help Zimbo to claim his name.

Earth Kids Party Venue Review

"We were very happy with the venue, and most of the moms seemed to enjoy it quite a lot. There is ample space, the play equipment is great, clean and relatively new. Besides that, the venue offers a great deal of services. Since we were on quite a tight budget, we decided to do a lot of things ourselves, but they can do all catering, cakes, drinks, jumping castles, water slides, entertainment, .... " - Dorine

Read the full review

Zimbo is now on Twitter

Tweet me on Twitter. Thats right, this clown is in with what's happening. By following my Zimbo the Clown profile you can keep up-to-date with exactly what I am up to. For cool tips on your kids party needs or simply if you wanna chat about your upcoming party then just reply to any of my posts and I will quickly reply to any questions you may have. This is the quickest way to get hold of Zimbo immediatly as he has installed a Twitter Mobile application to reply to all your tweets.

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a super cool website that allows you to very simply keep in touch with the times and be interactive and social. It is amazing the resources you can get on Twitter, post some info and see who likes what you post. If people like you then they will follow you. Once someone is following you they will be able to see everything that you post. It think you get a better response if you have something to bring to the table, tweeting about the 27th cup of coffee you had today does not usually make an interesting update. Twitter is like everyone sending an SMS to am open forum, except you get to choose what you want and do not want to read.

How do I follow Zimbo?

For all the coolest and latest kids party tips and advice from Zimbo all you need to do is go to www.twitter.com and create an account (if you have not done so already). Then find me under twitter.com/Zimbo_the_Clown and click the “Follow” button. That's all there is to it. It's simple and it's easy. Now go on and get started.

Why must I follow Zimbo?

• Zimbo is the coolest clown in SA
• I will post info on upcoming kids events that I will be attending
• If your child is having a party then why not ask me directly what to do?
• Be the first to know about my party specials
• Check out the latest party pics that I post to TwitPic
• Post your own party pics
• Tell the world how cool Zimbo is by putting #clowningaround in front of your message.
  

Take Care
Zimbo

Party Event & Entertainment Expo - Coca Cola Dome

Expo date: 19-20 September 2009
Visitor Cost: R65 per person

I have decided to attend the Party Event & Entertainment Expo in September this year and encourage everyone in the party industry to participate or attend. Stands are going on sale now and I am sure there will be limited space as the months go by. Parents please book as soon as you can as this will be a gathering of professionals who really know how to put on a party.

The Party Event & Entertainment Expo is a showcase to all party planners and exhibitors to display their products and services at the most prestigious and ultimate party event of the year.

The following kids party & entertainment goodies & services will fall under the spotlight:

• Party & event organisers and planners,
• Entertainers (clowns, magicians , speakers, comedians and face painters and dancers)
• Party accessories (jumping castles, inflatable's, balloons, party costumes, fancy dresses, party food suppliers, , theme décor, sweets, conference & entertainment equipment, promotional items, party stores, favours, carnival masks & masquerade, and countless others.

Expo will be divided into 3 main zones: Let’s Party Zone, Children’s Party Zone & Adult’s Party Zone.

If you would like to be an exhibitor or need more information, please contact Margaret Bartmanski at partyexpo@gmail.com or call her on 011 787 2591.

I am very excited, lets show Johannesburg what a party is all about :)

Take Care
Zimbo

Happy Birthday Dr Seuss

As I am sure you all know from the subtle hint in my costume that I am a huge fan of Dr. Seuss. 105 years ago today, Theodor Seuss Geisel was born. He was the famous American writer and cartoonist who published over 60 children's books with famous names such as 'Green Eggs and Ham' and my favourite 'Cat in the Hat'.

Theador died on September 24, 1991. So lets all honor this spectacular man today as Google has done so in the picture above.

Take Care
Zimbo

Kids Entertainment offered by Zimbo the Clown

Zimbo offers all kinds of cool and amazing stuff in his show.
press release

• Balloon Sulpting -.Zimbo's will dazzle your kids with twisty balloons your kids have never seen before. All kids at the party will get a balloon so long as time permits. Zimbo can make about 20 balloons per 25min and only uses the highest quality qualitex balloons.
• Magic Show - Zimbo's magic show for kids age 4-12. This 30min show is targeted for the party age group and is made up of mostly comedy magic. For the older kids Zimbo will do some more sophisticated tricks and for the very young its all about bright colours and interaction
• Theatrical Games - Zimbo loves to act, and kids love to do whatever Zimbo does. This is a great little game I play at the end of the 1hr shows which involves masks and some very strange acting from the kids. It is a real laugh for the parents and a ball for the kids.
• Face Painting - Spiderman, Barbie, Ben10 and more, Zimbo can paint almost everything. From full faces to tattoo's and cheek designs. This activity is not quick as every face is a masterpiece so I can paint about 15 faces per hour.
• Giant Bubbles - this has become a hit amongst the kids and is especially good for the young ages. Zimbo's bubbles are huge and so much fun to play with. I will create these amazing bubbles... the hardest part is keeping the kids from popping them... parents please help with croud control.

The Clown

Ever wondered why all clowns seem to look the same... or very different? Zimbo takes you through the various clown characters and will teach you Clown 101. Dazzle the next clown you see by telling them exactly what type of clown they are. (Just in case they did not know!)

Here are the main types of clowns:
The Whitefaced Clown
The Auguste Clown
The Hobo/Tramp Clown

Take Care
Zimbo

Zimbo the Clown is Going on Holiday

I am very glad to announce that I (Zimbo) will be away for a much deserved holiday in January 2009. As mentioned before, I only work on weekends, but this will also be changing until the 4th January 2008. (Yes Zimbo can work weekdays up until the 4th). Just so everyone understands my working schedule for the Christmas Season, I have posted it below.

Zimbo will not be available for the following Days:

• 22-26th December 2008 (Christmas Break)
• 5-14th January 2009 (Zimbo will be lying on a sunny beach in St. Lucia)
• 14-21st January 2009 (Zimbo will be attending his brother’s wedding in Cape Town – He is a clown without makeup)
  

After my nice long holiday I will be available to work from the Saturday the 24th January 2009 as per my regular schedule on a weekend’s only basis. Also don't forget that starting 2009 I will be performing the Giant Bubble Shows.

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season and New Year. I know you will spoil your kids rotten.

Take Care
Zimbo

Zimbo Adds Giant Bubbles to His Clown Routine

Clowning Around is delighted to announce an addition to Zimbo the Clowns' already fantastic performance. As of February 2009, I will be introducing giant bubbles into my clown routine as an additional option. When I say giant I mean HUGE. I have finally concocted the right bubble solution to create bubbles large enough to contain your child, that’s right! Your children can be completely surrounded by a bubble in his/her own bubble world. The coolest part… if your children blow while in the bubble, they can create their own stream of bubbles from within the bubble they are standing in.


How does Zimbo do this?
I have created an amazing formula which will only be fully complete by the end of January 2009. With a few very hard to find secret ingredients I will perform a bubble routine for your party that will dazzle all.


How much will it cost?
I have tried to make it as cheap as possible but due to the ingredients not being found locally, I need to cover costs. The show will be included into Zimbo’s one hour routine at an additional R300 per party.


What is included in the show?

• Every child will get a chance to stand inside a giant bubble.
• Zimbo will create some awesome bubbles up to 2 meters in diameter.
• The children can have fun making their own bubbles using many different types of bubble making gadgets.

Does anyone else do this?
As far as I know, Zimbo will be the only bubble performing clown in Johannesburg. :)

Take Care
Zimbo the Clown

Kidney Beanz Trust Spinathon 2008

What a fantastic day it was, many volunteers sweating as they rode for hours and hours at Sandton Virgin Active for an excellent cause. The Kidney Beanz Spinathon was wonderfully organised by Annamarie Wagner, a trust member of The Kidney Beans Trust in a joint initiative with The Virgin Active Group and Morningside Clinic.

The Spinathon was organized for one sole purpose, to raise awareness and funding for kids with severe kidney disease. What amazing kids these were, some of them were awaiting transplants and others had already had their operations and told of their wonderful success stories. The kids showed their appreciation to the spinners by spraying them with water and found it hilarious to spray Zimbo too.

I had so much fun at this charity event and I have agreed to fully support the kids at The Kidney Beanz Trust by dedicating my time to visiting these kids at Morningside Clinic on a regular basis.

You can make a donation to this amazing charity or you can offer your time and support too by filling out a simple contact form. Make a difference today and you will realize that these kids are well worth the love.

Take Care
Zimbo the Clown

Kids love pony rides and cowboy parties

Why are kids so fascinated by these magnificent beasts? I know adults wouldn’t even consider riding an animal more than five times our size. My guess is that kids don’t even see the sheer size of these creatures; they see right into their hearts and connect to the souls of these animals on a level that adults could never achieve. Children want to love these animals so why not give them the chance to make a new friend?

SA Trail Kids offers all of this and more. Many kids dream of being cowboys or cowgirls. I don’t blame them, you know how much Zimbo loves funky hats and there is nothing cooler than beaten down cowboy hats. SA Trails Kids do it all, when it comes to cowboy theme parties then why not allow a real cowboy to show your kids how it’s done.

Your child will learn how to handle the horses using cowboy methods, a style which has proven to be gentle on horses. Your kids will be spending their day riding ponies on the range of Northern Farms and then head back to the cantina for some tarantula juice and fried rattlesnake (cold drinks and food). Every cowboy comes across dangers in the wild. At SA Trails Kids there is a petting zoo containing snakes, lizards & dragons, geckos and tarantulas. Beware, before the day is done, your kids might be lassoing the family pet or little sister.

SA Trail Kids will cater for your party or you can bring your own food and they will prepare the fire pit to do all of your cooking.

Don’t forget that Zimbo loves to be a cowboy clown so any bookings at SA Trails Kids will get R200 discount off Zimbo’s regular rate. Just be sure to tell SA Trails that you want Zimbo the Clown at your party.

Take Care
Zimbo the Clown

Kids Foam Parties

The trend is here, and in this heat foam parties have become a favorite amongst the kids. As a follow up to last weeks article on Kids Summer Pool Parties, Zimbo is going to give you some inside tips and advice on foam parties.

What is a foam party?
Well its quiet simple really, its like being in a very large bath tub with all your friends. The kids get lathered up with soap-like suds shooting out of a large bubble machine. The soap machine fills up a large pit (jumping castle) with tons and tons of suds.

What type of foam party should I get?
For kids, Zimbo recommends the medium or large foam pit. These pits will keep your kids clean and save your grass. Try to avoid the stand alone machines (the ones without the pits) as these machines can create quite a mess because the foam is not contained and gets to wonder all over your garden or house out of control (you will be amazed where foam can get).

What do I need for my foam party?

• Costumes (your kids won't soak but will get damp)
• Goggles (for those sensitive eyes and under foam exploring)
• Sunblock (beware, just like swimming, your kids will bake}
• The whole family (thats right, foaming is for all ages)

How do I book a foam party?
Foam parties are available all over South Africa. Zimbo recommends X-treme Foam Parties if you are in Gauteng as their service is fantastic, clean and professional.

How much do foam parties cost?
The prices vary, but you can expect to pay in the region of R1800/2hrs for the medium sized units and up to R2500/2hrs for the larger units.

Will Zimbo the clown join us?
If your foam party is the last party on Zimbo's schedule then Zimbo will be more than happy to join in the fun.

Take Care
Zimbo the Clown

Kids Summer Pool Parties

Hello all. Summer is here and Zimbo is more than just a little bit excited. Why? Well summer can offer some of the most exciting, fun and fantastic parties yet. It's time to get wet, cool off a bit and use that summer heat to throw a fun filled party your child will never forget.

Summer parties usually include pool parties, bubble bonanza's and picnic tea parties. Zimbo has kindly done all the work for you and sorted everything out by age, so take a look, maybe you can pick up a few ideas.

Soapy & Squishy Water Balloons.
Pool parties are not just about the swimming (although this is my favourite part). Dash off to the supermarket and grab the following:

• water balloons
• sunlight dish liquid
• a bucket

Now fill up half the bucket with some water and then squirt in about a cup full of sunlight. Fill up the water balloons and then put as many as you need into the bucket. Now get the kids all lined up opposite each other and have them toss the balloons to each other. Have you ever tried to catch a slippery slimy water balloon all covered in soap? The kids will have a blast and may not even need to bath afterwards. Safety Note: rather do this on the grass as the poolside can become very slippery.

Balloon Shaving
What you need to get:

• Balloons (regular)
• Shaving Cream
• Cheap single blade razors
• Poles
• Permanent marker

This one is for the older kids (boys seem to love it a lot more as it can get destructive)
Blow up 10-20 balloons and attach them to a pole (one per pole so that the balloon sits steady on the pole - about the height of the smallest child attending). Draw a face on each balloon and then apply the shaving cream to the balloon to make a beard. Have the children make two lines and get each child to try shave the balloon without popping it. See which team shaves the most balloons without popping them. Safety Note; This game should only be played amongst older kids (age 8-12)as they will be handling razors. Parent supervision is a must.


Baking Baby
This one I saved for the little ones. Beware, this is messy
What you need:

• Very Large Baking trays
• Whipped cream
• smarties, hundreds and thousands, candy worms, marshmallows etc.

Put the baking trays on the grass and fill the trays with a good amount of whipped cream. Place the sweets into the tray and be sure to spray whipped cream over them to hide the sweets. Now, grab the babies and let them explore the very sweet, very sticky baking tray. You will probably notice that they prefer to play around with the stuff rather than eat it as it feels great. The more babies you have the better it is. If you really want to get messy you can add some chocolate sauce. (Be sure to lock the dogs away)

Jungle adventure story
This one can be played with all ages
What you need:

• Lots of junk food like candy worms, marshmallows, sour worms etc
• Lots of things to drink like chocolate milk, creamesoda etc
• Plastic Cups
• Chairs
• Blindfolds

Have the kids all sit in a row with blindfolds on and then allow Zimbo or another adult (if for some reason Zimbo is not at the party) tell the wild jungle story. The story must be said in a mysterious and fun way. You can make up whatever story you wish but the main object is to include the food in your story... eg. You are walking along a long dusty road and you have not eaten for days, you fall to your knees and start to eat the hot desert sand (at this time you give each child powdered chocolate milk - without the milk). As the the adventure continues you can have them eating live worms (you feed them sour worms) or crunchy bugs (you feed them smarties). Whatever you decide, be sure to practice your story before hand. safety Note: Be sure to check with parents to make sure no child is allergic to anything.

Take Care
Zimbo

Supporting Big Brother Big Sister South Africa

To follow up on last months article on Why Charity Should Be Important to Any Clown, I would like to highlight an organisation that has become a big part Zimbo the Clown's life.

Big Brother Big Sister of South Africa (BBBSSA) is an amazing loving organisation that cares for the children of South Africa. Lauren from BBBSSA approached me (Zimbo) at the beginning of the year to participate in a charity event. Not knowing what to expect I arrived at the event ready to entertain the masses. To my surprise the event was very well organised and very well run. The kids were all put into neat lines without much shouting from the organisers. What this shows me is that the children have respect for the organisers and volunteers, most probably because they have formed close relationships with all the volunteers (their Big Brothers and Sisters). The impact these dedicated volunteers have on these children's lives is something you have to experience to be amazed. Just a little bit of care and appreciation towards these kids goes a long way. BBBSSA understood the unique challenges and needs of the children and found a solution to the problem.

We know we cannot possibly look after all the children in need, but if we take it upon ourselves to look after one child, then we will change a life forever. We will be blessed with the unique opportunity to have a direct impact on a child, changing his/her life and help create wonderful memories and self-esteem that the child can use in his/her future.

Zimbo is proud to participate in yet another BBBSSA event on the 13th September 2008. Why not do your part and become a volunteer today. Visit Big Brother Big Sister South Africa and become a volunteer or add to the BBBS wishlist to help support a child who is in need of care and attention. A simple smile from one of these children will assure you that you have made the right decision.

If you would like to volunteer as a face painter or entertainer for the next BBBSSA event please contact Zimbo directly

BBBS Websites:
Big Brother Big Sister South Africa

Big Brother Big Sister International

Big Brother Big Sister Main Wesite

Why Charity Should Be Important to Any Clown

Have you ever had that feeling of pure joy, a feeling that you are doing something for a purpose? Let me tell you something, there is absolutely nothing that brings me more joy than visiting kids in hospital that are not feeling the best. To walk into that room which is usually associated with hurt and sadness and see a little face light up is truly heart warming... "Are you here for me?"


Very gentle I am. I tread with care, making sure that every child is comfortable with my entry. Any sign of despair and I back out and offer balloons from the door. They usually accept and warm up to me within seconds. I must always remember that I am entering their little world of problems, so I need to be fully aware of their feelings at all times. It always seems to play out the same, a small smile from the corner of the mouth, a quick look to mom like they are asking permission to be happy at this sad moment. It does not take long to get the stamp of approval from the child, giving me the opportunity to be show them that yes… I am here for them.


The movie ‘Patch Adams’, has always been an inspiration to me. Yes I look utterly stupid and clumsy as I walk into doors and play with the hospital equipment, but if I glance over my shoulder I’m sure to see a child giggling away.
One of my favorite balloons to make is ‘Zimbo’ s Super Sword’. This is one of the larger swords in my inventory of balloon ideas. I tell the child that this sword is to protect them from those nurses next time they come in to visit. Sure enough, as I’m entertaining another child down the hall I hear a shriek from the nurse followed by a hysterical giggle from the child. (whistle) it was not my idea :)


I don’t always spend all my time in the kids ward, many times I end up running around the hospital entertaining the nurses and doctors. They deserve to smile too.


I am honored to be a hospital clown, the smiles and giggles leave me all gooshy inside. The visits allow me to recharge my week with warm, fuzzy feelings. It brings me so much more joy than any paid job. I don’t plan on throwing in the towel any time soon.

Take Care
Zimbo the Clown