ELNORA — Laughs, magic and balloon creations are all part of a day’s work for Ryan Winkle of Elnora, better known as Wacky the Clown.

Winkle started as a children’s magician in 2006 but then realized there might be more business in balloons.

“I still do magic. I do it for birthday parties,” Winkle said. “But I do balloons along with it as a clown.”

Winkle, who has always enjoyed entertaining children, used to work for free before making it his business.

“I’ve been doing it for four years now, and it feels like I’m giving back,” Winkle said.

Wacky the Clown, Winkle’s clown name, can be seen at festivals twisting balloons, at birthday parties doing magic and balloons or in schools teaching children to make balloon creations.

Winkle said his personality as Wacky is the same with and without the makeup.

“I feel a little bit more free whenever I’m in clown,” he said.

Wacky the Clown can be contacted by calling 812-645-4500 or visiting www.secondhandclown.com.

“All clowning, I love,” Winkle said. “It’s what I want to do.”