National Clown Day is always the Saturday during International Clown Week, which is always the first seven days of August. On August 2, 1971 U.S. President Richard Nixon issued Proclamation 4071 , making August 1-7, 1971 National Clown Week. It is uncertain how and when National Clown Day, came into being.  

Both International Clown Week and National Clown Day were created to give recognition to those funny clowns that make us laugh and smile. It is estimated that there are over 10,00 clowns in organized clown groups, and over 20,000 clowns world-wide. They all have one goal in mind, and that's to make us happy.