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Only one J.P. Patches,
and he feels the love
By John Pierre
For the Beacon
It was an evening to be remembered at the 5th Avenue Grill where a packed house made a significant contribution to honor the renowned clown known as J.P. Patches.
J.P. Patches, of course, is the Edmonds resident who over the past five decades has become a Seattle icon.
His square name is Chris Wedes, and his fans are in the process of erecting a statue to him and his sidekick Gertrude (Bob Newman) at 36th and Fremont in Seattle’s Fremont district.
LaRae and Seaun Richards, owners of the 5th Avenue Grill, wanted to support the project on behalf of Edmonds. And so they gathered last week to do that very thing.
The $50-a-plate attendees dined on prime rib and salmon with all “the fixin's” – including a dessert specialty of the 5th Avenue Grillhouse: bread pudding.
J.P. Patches was guest of honor – although without makeup he looked just like Chris Wedes – along with his lovely wife Joanie. He wowed the crowd with stories of the early days of the Patches’ Pals TV show.
Many were surprised to discover that Wedes is a talented standup comedian, even without his clown costume. He delighted his fans. And all in attendance were fans, although some had been quite young when Patches’ Pals became a fixture on black-and-white KIRO TV in 1958.
When J.P. Patches nee Wedes asked for audience questions, one voice inquired as to the whereabouts of Gertrude.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he responded, "In the trunk of my car."
Another of Wedes' stories had to do with the time Gertrude first appeared on the show with his mop (and it was a mop, literally) of red hair.
Part of “Gertrude’s” costume consisted of "two of the biggest balloons you have ever seen." At the least propitious moment, Wedes recalled, “One of the balloons began drifting south!"
Among those who wanted to have their photos taken with J.P. Patches, in or out of costume, was Mayor Gary Haakenson.
While the party continued, Mayor Haakenson declared April 27 to be J.P. Patches Day, with a written declaration replete with a plethora of whereases and therefores to make it official.
This was presented to Chris Wedes, one of Edmonds’ most beloved residents, along with a miniature key to the city.
There were red noses throughout the premises (even before the adult beverages were served) as the host and hostess provided a sponge rubber red nose for each guest.
One of the attendees was none other than Barry Fritz, who produces the red noses used by J.P. Patches for his many appearances at special functions.
While the final count of money raised was still being tabulated at press time, it appeared to surpass the targeted $5,000 quite handily.
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