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Community Corner

Kids' Comedy Night Serves Up Laughs in Dedham

Event offers children and adults the chance to make jokes while raising funds for a Pan Mass Challenge team.

At least 20 local residents battled the heat as they visited the in Dedham Square on Friday night.

They were able to "grin and bear it."

The Blue Bunny and local nonprofit Catching Joy hosted a Kids' Comedy Night, an event providing local children and adults the opportunity to share laughs, jokes and magic with their peers. 

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"We hope we can bring laughter to people who can use it," Catching Joy founder and executive director Joy Surprenant said. 

Catching Joy promotes teaching hands-on activities for children and adults to help them understand the joy of giving. Friday's event allowed the nonprofit to spread its message while helping raise money for Team Chuckle, a Pan Mass Challenge team featuring Boston-based comics and their families.

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Surprenant said the event helps show people how simple it is to take an active role in helping others in the community.

"There are so many way to get involved," Surprenant said. "There's no pressure on kids and adults to get involved at every level."

A $1 donation allowed any person to share his or her comedy routine at the Blue Bunny. The event featured young comedians, a magician and a book reading from Easton author Leo Landry.

Children listened intently as Landry read the first two chapters of his most recent children's book "Grin and Bear It."

The book tells the story of Bear, a bear who deals with stage fright as he tries to share his comedy with his friends. 

Landry noted the story was based on his ability to overcome stage fright during a stand-up comedy class. The Easton author said he was once nervous about public speaking, but overcame his fear when he was forced to give a five-minute performance to his classmates. 

"Although I was petrified, I was able to get through the five minutes," Landry said.

Landry emphasized Bear receives help with his stage fright from his friend Emmy, a hummingbird, who offers assistance with his struggles. 

"[Bear] doesn't ever overcome stage fright, but Emmy helps him achieve his dreams in another way," Leonard said.

The event offered children an opportunity to share their talents with the local community. Blue Bunny owner Peter Reynolds said he hopes the Kids' Comedy Night becomes an annual event in Dedham.

"I think this is the first of many," Reynolds said.

Landry said the event provides the town with an excellent opportunity to its youth.

"There is a really nice community presence in Dedham, with lots of budding comedians," Landry said.

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