During a recent, beautiful week in September, Orefield resident Harold Reitz participated in Clownfest in Seaside Heights, N.J.

For Reitz, who won two awards for his efforts, entertaining people of all ages and seeing their happy faces is just as rewarding as any prize.

"After three days of classes, on Saturday we worked the boardwalk with the public," Reitz said. "We clowned and mingled with the people."

Clowns from across the United States were present for the occasion, playing games with the children.

The boardwalk, damaged some years ago by Tropical Storm Sandy and a fire, which consumed nearly 25 buildings, is now looking good, Reitz said.

During the weekend parades, crowds of nearly 20,000 people lined both sides of the boardwalk from beginning to end.

The public voted for its favorite clown of the day and, for the second year in a row, Reitz was winner of the Peoples' Choice Award.

Reitz paraded in his long-arm costume, which was a great attraction for everyone.

"I high five the kids and hug them, if they want, with my long arms wrapped around, sometimes five or six people at a time," Reitz said. "They love that a whole family can be hugged at a time."

Reitz also won second place for "Paradeability," which includes performance and appearance.

"The long-arm costume seems to be a fan favorite," Reitz said.

Reitz has been participating in Clownfest for about 20 years, always at Seaside Heights, except for the year after the storm when the boardwalk was not sufficiently rebuilt to host the annual event.

"Quite a few famillies look for me every year," he said.

Some visitors at Clownfest from the Lehigh Valley recognized Reitz from his work at Heintzelman Funeral Home, Schnecksville, and appearances as Pitstop the Clown in local parades. Reitz said he has a busy season ahead with Halloween parades and other holiday events.