VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A generous donation to a local museum will help keep Red Skelton’s memory alive through a mural.
On Friday, Red Skelton’s surviving spouse Lothian presented a $25,000 donation to the Pantheon Theatre in Vincennes.
The gift will be used to complete a large-scale art mural on the back wall of the stage, painted by artist Randy Hedden. The mural features Red, Ed Wynn, and other performers.
Anne Pratt, director of the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy spoke about the donation.
“I talked with her and had a tour of the Pantheon and she just loved it and talked about how much Red had loved here and really credits the Pantheon with being his inspiration to go into showbusiness when he was just 10 years old,” said Pratt.
And just a reminder that the 18th Annual Red Skelton Festival and Parade is happening this weekend. The event kicks off on Saturday with the parade starting at noon.
There will be outdoor entertainment, food trucks, and kid’s games at the museum after the parade. There will also be a nostalgic tent show at 11 a.m.
The cost to attend the event and participate in all the activities is $5.