Harold Reitz, widely known as Pitstop the Clown, entertained the crowds at the recent Clownfest in Lancaster.

The event usually takes place in Seaside Heights, N.J., but was moved this year due to a bikers’ weekend in the shore community.

Always a favorite with people of all ages, Reitz wore his long-arm costume, enabling him to reach out to pose for photos with his arms embracing more than one person at a time, sometimes an entire family.

He won second place in the People’s Choice competition and third in the white face contest.

Clownfest originated 34 years ago with a small group of clowns who paraded down the boardwalk with a U.S. Army band contingent in Asbury Park.

After eight years, the event moved to Seaside Heights.

Reitz has been participating for about 20 years.

The purpose of Clownfest is to help develop the clown arts while also providing an opportunity to bring clowns and other folks together.

The festival attracts people from all around the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

The weekend convention offers classes in the clown arts, such as Balloons for Beginners, Make-Up Tricks and Tips, Walk Arounds and Site Gags, Magic Prop Foolery, Holiday Character Shows and more.

Vendors offer a variety of items clowns can use in their costumes and performances.

Reitz was astonished to find out he was on the nationally viewed Howard Stern show in a contrived interview.

At the festival, while the clowns were parading, a reporter with a microphone asked Reitz a few questions.

Reitz assumed the reporter was from a local television station.

On the broadcast, TV personality Howard Stern asked questions, and Reitz’s responses from the Clownfest were played, giving the impression of a Pitstop-Stern interview.

Reitz participates in local parades and entertains everyone from children through senior citizens.

He will have a gig assisting Santa Claus at The Neffs National Bank on Dec. 18.