VINCENNES, Ind.(WTHI) - The legacy of Vincennes native Red Skelton is being honored this weekend at the first-ever Red Skelton Comedy Convention.
Comedian Red Skelton has given generations plenty to laugh about.
The visitors I spoke with had beloved stories to share about growing up watching Red Skelton, and Red's wife, Lothian, was beyond proud to brag on his achievements. Especially in time for what would have been his 111th birthday.
To Lothian Skelton, Vincennes is a place to reconnect with her husband's legacy.
"I love Vincennes, I love all of you, I feel at home here," said Skelton.
She was in on all the action of the convention.
From seeing memorabilia of the characters he played to actually meeting his wife, there were many opportunities for Red's fans to learn about the legacy he's left behind.
I asked Skelton what Red's legacy meant to her... And you could tell by the look in her eyes, he meant the world to her. She says he's an example of someone who rose above their challenges to make something of themselves.
"You can start from very little in the sense of monetary success in your family, or hardships, whatever and that you can actually rise above that and beyond that and find success in your life by believing in yourself as a young child," said Lothian.
She shared that her hope for this weekend was for everyone to have nothing but fun. It was what Red would want, after all.
"It's to share with people of all generations, this man who gave so much of himself to people to make them happy through the medium of television, personal appearances, and so forth."
The convention will conclude Saturday night with a comedy show.
Each event has been curated to give participants a glimpse into Red Skelton himself.
For the full schedule you can click the link here.
