Writer Paul Dailing is chronicling life in our city in his “1001 Chicago Afternoons” blog. He stopped by “SOS: A Summer Clown Cruise,” and gave this report.

The sun started its slow descent over the boathouse to the west, glistening and glimmering off the lagoon where happy fishermen plied their futile hobby. The spot of grass by house and water was filled with smiling families, laughing children and the sounds of a small live band playing a light and smooth 1920s Puerto Rican jazz.

“Is this that clown thing they were talking about?” came a voice from behind me.

The voice was a female one, withering in that way only 12 year olds can muster.

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