'Evil the Clown' Paints the Town

It’s winter. ‘Tis the season for bundling up and sporting a heavy coat.

Well one inanimate icon has followed suit. No clownin’ around, Calico the Food Circus Clown has been wearing his own new coat since September — a new coat of paint.

You may have noticed as you drive by the monstrous landmark, in front of on Route 35, that his coloring is brighter. 

What was a worn clownie coat, of paint, that is, is now a heavier one to weather whatever inclement elements befall him. Patch’s Steve Rogers got some good photos of refreshed, brighter clown (see the gallery above).

The icon, known as the ," even posted news of the paint job on his Facebook page, saying “Honk if you like my new facelift.”

The 50-year-old icon (going on 51) has been the subject of much town talk and loyalty among fans. He was first designed for all those decades ago by the same artist who rendered Tillie, the classic Asbury Park arcade face that used to have its fiendish grin plastered to the side of the Asbury amusement building.

Tillie has been preserved for posterity, after much fear that it would be destroyed with the redevelopment of Asbury Park.

People have had the same type of loyalty to Calico and have rallied to save the clown for all time. He has been featured in Weird New Jersey and Middletown native Kevin Smith’s Clerks II film and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

There was one point in time, about a decade ago, when people feared that if the Azzolina family, which owns Food Circus and Spirits Unlimited, had built the town center that they had wanted to, the clown would come down.

The Azzolinas, headed by now-deceased patriarch and longtime assemblyman, Joseph, assured people that he would stay, regardless.

Years ago, Calico spun on his axled spot until the 1970s. There is no word yet on whether or not the family plans to reactivate that feature, but the iconic clown is looking brighter and better protected from the elements, proudly sporting his vivid new primary colors coat.

. And, note, to the right, there are some entertaining videos of people's opinions on the clown.