Fair Grove's Spangle the Clown inducted into Santa Hall of Fame

FAIR GROVE, Mo. — Spangle the Clown of Fair Grove was inducted into the prestigious International Santa Claus Hall of Fame.

Spangle the Clown's induction into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame is a recognition of his lifetime of charity, generosity, and holiday spirit.

"I cried, and I just found out this last weekend," said Spangle. "To the outside world, this may not seem like a big deal but in our industry, it is like the top of the tops."

His new initiative will kick off in 2025 and he will be collecting mittens in his mobile Santa trailer to "Warm Santa's Heart by warming the hands of Children".

From organizing mitten drives and supporting local food banks to personally visiting those in need, Spangle's heart for giving reflects the true spirit of Christmas year-round.

This is Spangle's biography according to the International Santa Hall of Fame website:

Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1962, Spangle the Clown always had a heart for laughter and joy. His journey into the spotlight began at 18 when he worked with a traveling circus and dressed as a clown for Halloween—his heart always led him to bring smiles to others.

Over 30 years ago, he fully embraced his role as a clown, dedicating his life to spreading happiness to children and families. But God had a special plan for him. One day while shopping at K-Mart, he found himself repeatedly adding and removing a Santa suit from his cart, feeling a pull he couldn't ignore. When the suit was finally purchased, a local charity soon called, asking if he knew a Santa. That was the moment his journey as a beloved Santa began, a role that has brought him as much joy as the children he visits.

In 2016, Spangle founded Stuff for Santa, inspired by his clown supply business and a desire to help fellow performers and bring magic to Christmas. His mission is simple: "Let it come from the heart." International Santa Hall of Fame