Statue of iconic clown J.P. Patches defaced in Fremont

Fremont’s iconic clown statue has been defaced—and the community is pooling together to fix it.

Someone painted over the face of the clown and his sidekick, Gertrude, according to the official website for J.P. Patches.

“Unfortunately, the statue has been defaced again,” the website stated. “Someone has spray-painted the faces black. We are looking into how to best restore the paint, but any donations will be greatly appreciated!”

J.P. Patches remains a local icon, with a product line at Archie McPhee’s, a massive following on Facebook, and a certain cultural presence around the Northwest that refuses to diminish. The clown was a TV fixture in Seattle from 1958 to 1981 on KIRO7 TV, making it one of the longest-running children’s shows on local TV anywhere in the U.S.

The statue was unveiled in 2008 with a street later named after the iconic clown. Chris Wedes, who portrayed J.P. Patches, passed away in 2012 at the age of 84.

“A portion of the proceeds from the Patches Patio Pavers is set aside for statue maintenance as well as for donations to Seattle Children’s, however, paver reservations have been down the last few years,” J.P. Patches’ website stated. “Additionally, we had to remove the donation box at the statue because it was repeatedly being broken into. So, that leaves us in the unfortunate position to have to ask for help cover the costs of the necessary restoration.”

How to support the statue and J.P. Patches’ legacy

Now, fans are fundraising for a restoration. One idea? A clown-themed parade through the Fremont Sunday Market later this month.

To donate to restore the statue and keep J.P. Patches’ legacy alive, visit his website here.

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