Folsom Pro Rodeo to draw big named clown

There's sure to be plenty of clowning around at this year's rodeo, as Loomis resident and veteran rodeo clown Charlie "Too Tall" West is slated to take center stage.West, a 4-foot, 6-inch barrelman-style clown is approaching his thirtieth year of professional clowning, and still digging it. The 48-year old continues to make a consistent living touring the region's rodeos with his dog "Ziggy" and minature horse "Magic."And his return to the Folsom Rodeo is sort of like a mini homecoming. It was actually right here and during his childhood days that West first caught the Rodeo bug, when his mother served as a rodeo secretary.Such early exposure paved a path that would eventually earn him a solid reputation within the industry."I started out by getting involved in high school rodeo," he said. "But not long after that I was with some friends in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and they dared me to get in the barrel. After that it was history."Riding the barrel, delivering his witty one-liners, and performing tricks with his two sidekicks have become part of the entertaining package rodeo patrons expect with "Too Tall."Like many rodeo clowns whose primary act involves drawing laughs from the crowd and not dodging bulls, he did try the latter when he was younger."Back in the day I tried some of the other stuff like riding steer," he said. "But it didn't take long to realize they're a little longer than my legs."Over the years and after taking some hits, West said there have been a few times that he's considered retirement. But despite back surgery and his doctor urging him quit, he keeps on keeping on."I've always been very lucky to being able to make a living doing what I love for so long," he said, "so I really can't complain."When he's not on the road living the rodeo life, West enjoys taking his act, which generally includes "Magic" and "Ziggy," to hospitals and rest homes. He said the best part of his job is seeing smiles and garnering applause."I also get to meet some interesting people, which is always fun," he added.* * *The Folsom Pro Rodeo runs July 1-3 at the Dan Russell Arena in Folsom. For more information, visit folsomprorodeo.com.