Lovell Buchanan ranked right up there with President Bush at Monday's Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn.  Buchanan, in costume as Uncle Chuckles the clown, performed in front of about 35,000 children for the annual event which included a visit from the President and First Lady.

Buchanan said George and Barbara gave out autographed Easter eggs to children that participated in the roll.  After the event, about 15 children came up to Chuckles with their presidential-autographed eggs asking him to sign on the other side.  "In a child's eye, a clown rated close to the president," said Buchanan.  "That really touched my heart."

Chuckles had a little trouble getting past security before his performance and it took three tries to get clearance.  First his camera, then his keys and finally the metal band inside his clown outfit, that makes him appear more round, sounded the alarm.

Buchanan, an alumnus of Clown College, is an accomplished clown, magician, and puppeteer with more than 15 years experience.  His theatrical work has been recognized internationally and is included in Marques' "Who's Who In Entertainment."

Local clown a hit at White House was a news article from the Intelligencer Journal.