Double the fun: Two clowns work Phillipsburg rodeo

mark swingler 15 — Mark Swingler will put out a “fire” in the Phillipsburg rodeo arena as he entertains fans during Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo August 4-6. He will work alongside Slim Garner, making rodeo fans laugh.

PHILLIPSBURG — Phillipsburg rodeo fans will think they’re seeing double when Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo rolls around in August.

There will be not just one rodeo clown in the arena, but two.

Slim Garner returns with his brand of comedy, and he will be joined by Mark Swingler.

Slim will bring his “World’s Largest Toybox” – his semi-trailer loaded with a Cowboy Cadillac, barbecue grill, fishing boat, and wheelie truck. In 2012, fans were treated to Slim’s acts.

This will be Mark Swingler’s first trip to Phillipsburg. The Austin, Texas man’s main act is his signature firetruck: a refurbished 1964 Volkswagon bus, cut in half. Swingler “answers” a fire call in the arena, driving the bus in and putting it on its end when he hits the brakes. “I can get all four tires off the ground,” he laughs.

Having two rodeo clowns at one rodeo isn’t common, but it’s a real advantage. While one clown steps out of the arena to prepare for an act, the other clown can stay in and banter with rodeo announcer Randy Corley. “Phillipsburg likes (rodeo) acts, and especially big acts,” Swingler said. “This will be great. Rodeo fans won’t see the same acts the whole weekend.”

Pro rodeo clown and barrelman Slim Garner cropped — Slim Garner “barbecues” chicken in the arena during a rodeo. He is one of two funnymen hired for this year’s Phillipsburg Rodeo. He will entertain crowds during Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo August 4-6, along with his counterpart, Mark Swingler.

Slim grew up in Fredonia, Kan., and now lives in Whitman, Ariz. He has a nine year old daughter named Jacquelyn who is a member of the Arizona Sweethearts, a rodeo queen program for young girls. Mark has been married to his wife Tami for 25 years. They have a daughter, Jessica, who is a cake designer in Austin.

Slim will work as barrelman during the rodeo.

Slim and Mark will entertain between events during each night of the Phillipsburg rodeo August 4-6. Performances begin at 8 pm each night. Tickets are $16 for reserved adult seating and $12 for reserved child seating, and general admission tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for children. To purchase tickets, call Heritage Insurance at 785-543-2448. For more information, visit the rodeo’s website at KansasBiggestRodeo.com or, on Facebook, search for “ksbiggestrodeo”.