JP Patches

 This Special Guest will be appearing in the Kids Fun Zone from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Marine Park

When KIRO T.V. went on the air in February 1958, the first live show was J.P. Patches.  A "retired clown from the Ding a ling Bros. Circus", J.P. took up residency at the City Dump and soon became a Northwest favorite.

For nearly 25 years J.P. Patches entertained children and adults with his clever and humorous antics.  His show featured cartoons, zany characters and skits.  He also hosted thousands of guests, many of  them children who came to meet and see the Mayor of the City Dump.  Although J.P. is no longer on the air, he is seen frequently at store opening, special events and  has had several television specials.

Chris Wedes, who plays J.P. Patches, started his television career in Minnesota.  Born in Minneapolis and raised in St. Paul, Chris was active in Little Theatre, the St. Paul Civic Opera and from drama to comedy to Shakespeare.  A Korean War veteran, Chris worked in radio for several years before landing a job as a director in a television station in the Twin Cities.  With a former college friend, Chris developed several roles as a children's entertainer.  The characters ranged from a cowboy, space cadet, a cook and finally to his memorable clown, J.P. Patches.