In conversation with Okanagan town crier Bruce Klippenstein
OYEZ, OYEZ, OYEZ, the Okanagan Town Crier has something to say.
Bruce Klippenstein, a retired Peachland resident, enjoys playing the part of a modernday town crier during appearances at public and private events throughout the Valley.
From biblical times until the invention of the printing press, town criers world-wide were the primary news media, Klippenstein says.
Now, he says, a town crier’s job is to add color, fun, and pageantry to an event.
The Daily Courier asked Klippenstein about the work of a town crier.
COURIER: What’s the most unusual or humorous thing you’ve been asked to ‘cry out?’
Klippenstein: The Cardboat Boat Race in Nanaimo. About a dozen boats, all made from only cardboard and duct tape, were rowed around a course. The last boat to sink was the winner.
The most rewarding event was to perform at the Children’s Wish Foundation Heroes Challenge at the Olympic Oval in Richmond.
Fourteen children had their wishes granted, and there was a friendly competition to celebrate the successful funding for these wishes. To see the joy on the children’s faces was amazing.
COURIER: What are the most common events at which you’re invited to act as Town Crier?
Klippenstein: The Okanagan Town Crier has performed for individuals, business, civic organizations, media and service clubs.
I have been invited to fundraising events, restaurant openings, award dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, art celebrations, fashion shows, car shows, etc.
I’ve had gigs from Vernon to Naramata, with diversions to Richmond and Winnipeg. I even do remote ‘cries’ to send messages anywhere in the world.
COURIER: Why did you get interested in being a town crier? What jobs/interests did you have previously that prepared you for the role?
Klippenstein: I have been a newsman for 22 years, publishing two weekly newspapers, a monthly newsmagazine and producer of a weekly TV show on real estate.
I have a loud voice, and a big mouth, some would say! I trained it at Toastmasters.
I love to promote, and I direct that mostly toward community service.
COURIER: What’s your favourite story concerning town criers in days of old?
Klippenstein: I like the cry required once of a German town crier. Each week, he’d be heard admonishing the populace “not to urinate or defecate in the river the day before the brewery drew its water for beer.”
I also ilk the law in England “not to shoot the messenger,” because we would bring unpopular news of new and increased taxes, among other things.
COURIER: How recently were town criers used to convey the actual news of the day?
Klippenstein: The first newspaper in Europe was in 1605, and about 100 years later in North America (Boston).
It took awhile for people to become literate, but the decline in town crying dates from that era. Today, we are more ceremonial than functional.
COURIER: What are the three main qualifications needed by a town crier?
Klippenstein: Public speaking. Commanding presence, loud voice, vocal variety, humorous anecdotes and a historical perspective.
Writing. Do the research, be succinct and add context.
Enthusiasm. Care about the topic, add excitement to presentation, hold audiences’ attention.
COURIER: How often are you called upon to be a town crier?
Klippenstein: We moved to Peachland in January 2017 and since April of that year I’ve average about one event per week.
Some weeks I’ll do several gigs, then do nothing for two or three weeks.
However often it is, it’s fun and gives meaning to the lives of both my wife and myself, because we bring joy to others.
LindaLea dresses as Mrs. Town Crier and is the videographer/photographer.
I welcome all calls from any individual, organization, or business, looking to make an event special.
Phone or text me at 778-583-5547 or email klipper1@shaw.ca