In 1981, Vince Pagliano produced the first clown convention on the shores of New Jersey. Twenty-seven years later, the festival is continuing to attract hundreds of professional clowns from all over the world. CLOWNFEST: FIVE DAYS IN THE ALLEY examines the people and events that make up the annual clown convention that takes place in Seaside Heights, New Jersey each summer. This personal glimpse into the psychology of a professional clown explores not only the artistic and entrepreneurial spirit of clowning but also the subjects' deeply rooted desires to entertain and inspire those around them.