Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
When you see the Scottville Clown Band, you’re amused by their colorful attire and crazy antics. When you hear them play, you’re amazed at their extraordinary talent. They’ve been entertaining crowds in Michigan for over 100 years, with no sign of slowing down. Perhaps their best performances are during the summer parades, with “The Stripper” being the favorite number. The horns, cymbals, and drums give the Clown Band their other name, “The Big Noise from Scottville.”
In 1903, a musical group of Scottville merchants dressed up as hillbillies and began entertaining at local carnivals. Their popularity grew until World War II called its members away and the group disbanded. In 1947, a local businessman, Ray Schulte, resurrected the group, and to this day, the Scottville Clown Band continues to bring smiles to countless faces. The city of Scottville is located ten miles east of Ludington, with about 1,200 residents. This small town has certainly been put on the map through the notoriety of the Scottville Clown Band.
Clown Band members come from all over Michigan and over 14 other states, including Florida, New York, Tennessee and California. They represent all walks of life, from police officers and farmers to doctors, bankers, and disc jockeys.
The members are represented by a board of directors, a group of people that make decisions on band operations and policies.
Their charitable contributions include funding and maintaining both the Scottville Clown Band Shell and the Museum of Music at Historic White Pine Village.
One of the primary goals of the Scottville Clown Band is to provide scholarships for students accepted to summer programs for any of the performing arts, including vocal music, theater, or instrumental music. Each year money is given out to over 30 students, helping them with costs to places like Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and Interlochen. The scholarship recipients are invited to play with the Scottville Clown Band in early summer at a concert performed at Waterfront Park in Ludington.
Scottville Clown Band Board of Directors
The Silver Lake State Park is 3,000 acres and is situated between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, offering boating, fishing, swimming, & ORV.
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in Manistee County. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
Take a tour on the Historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia docked in Manistee, Michigan.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
Is your business located in West Michigan? If so, let us help you spread the word. Contact us today to learn more about advertising opportunities with WestMichiganGuides.com…and thank you!
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