By Hanson Lee / Bothell-Kenmore Reporter
BOTHELL — On the morning of July 4, Barbara Mendoza Petersen gets up and begins her hour-long task of putting on her makeup and getting into her outfit.
In that time, Barbara transforms into “Barbo,” and Bothell’s Fourth of July Freedom Festival Parade adds a clown.
For the past 19 years, the 81-year-old Petersen has volunteered to be a clown for the parade. She originally got into the clown business because of her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease for many years. Before that, Petersen worked at the University of Washington as a payroll clerk in the chemistry department.
In 1997, at the age of 60, Petersen found herself old enough to retire and, being around her mother, realized that the best thing for herself was to start living life and having fun, so she quit her job.
In 1999, Petersen took a trip to the University of Wisconsin, where she attended a five-day clown camp.
“It was so much fun,” Petersen said. “I loved it.”
The following year, Petersen participated as a clown in the Fourth of July parade for the first time.
The holiday has a special meaning for her. Her only brother, Richard Mendoza, was born on the Fourth of July. The two were close, but later in life Richard was diagnosed with throat cancer.
He died on the Fourth of July. Memory of her brother motivated her to do the parade.
“He died on his birthday. It always gets me,” Petersen said. “I decided I was a clown and I was gonna do the Fourth of July parade in Bothell.”
Petersen picked the clown name Barbo because it was a nickname given to her by her husband, Al Petersen. Al said that being part of Barbara’s 19-year journey has been a experience.
“It’s always a big deal,” Al said. “I really enjoy seeing how happy she is.”
As Barbo, Petersen has become well-known for bringing her doll, “Bobo,” along for the ride. Bobo was a gift to Petersen from a friend after she finished clown camp.
The doll has become a piece of Petersen’s costume and a fan favorite at the parade, especially among the kids.
“My biggest part is giving something to the community,” Petersen said. “I give something to the kids and they give me something back.”
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