Rodeo clowns entertain crowds during and between rodeo events, such as bull riding and steer roping. While these events take place in the center of the arena, rodeo clowns walk along the outskirts and provide comic narrative. Between events, rodeo clowns take center stage and perform brief sketches to keep the crowd entertained. Rodeo clowns perform different types of sketches, depending on their specialties. Some rodeo clowns work with animals, such as horses or monkeys, that are trained to perform tricks. Others perform slapstick comedy or acrobatics. But being a rodeo clown isn't just about the fun. Some rodeo clowns also perform an important safety job, called bullfighting. A typical comedian might have to dodge boos from a restless crowd, but rodeo clowns must know how to handle a much more dangerous threat: angry bulls. This article describes Dale "Gizmo" McCracken's job as a professional rodeo clown.