Last Night of the City Dump was a legendary television show in Seattle in which children’s entertainer, JP Patches bid farewell to the city dump. The show aired on KCTS 9 on September 1, 1981, and was an instant hit.
JP Patches, played by Chris Wedes, was a beloved character in the Pacific Northwest, entertaining generations of children with his humor, wit, and zaniness. Last Night of the City Dump was a perfect example of his fun-loving personality and clever humor.
The show featured memorable moments such as JP Patches interacting with a “dump monster” and some garbage men, as well as taking a final tour around the dump to bid goodbye. Last Night of the City Dump remains a beloved part of Seattle’s pop cultural history, and it still brings a smile to the faces of those who remember watching it.
The History of JP Patches and Last Night of the City Dump
As a beloved icon of Seattle’s culture, JP Patches played a significant role in the lives of many people in the city and beyond. The famous clown, whose real name was Chris Wedes, hosted a children’s television show on KIRO from 1958 to 1981 and gained a loyal following.
One of JP Patches’ most memorable broadcasts was his Last Night of the City Dump show, which aired on KCTS 9 in 1970. The show was a celebration of the closing of Seattle’s landfill and was a parody of Guy Lombardo’s New Year’s Eve broadcasts.
During the Last Night of the City Dump show, JP Patches and his sidekick Gertrude entertained their audience with music, dance, and comedy skits until midnight, when a bulldozer pushed a large ball of junk down a ramp and into the landfill.
The show ended with JP Patches singing “Auld Lang Syne” and bidding farewell to the landfill. The broadcast was a huge success and became one of JP Patches’ most iconic shows.
JP Patches and Last Night of the City Dump remain a cherished part of Seattle’s history, and the city has recognized their significance by naming a park after the beloved clown. The park, located in North Seattle, features a statue of JP Patches and Gertrude and is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
As a Seattle local myself, I have fond memories of watching JP Patches on television and was thrilled to learn more about the history behind Last Night of the City Dump. It’s a testament to the impact that JP Patches had on the city and the enduring legacy that he left behind.
KCTS 9: A Look into Their Role in Broadcasting the Show
One of the most memorable moments for many Seattleites was watching JP Patches’ Last Night of the City Dump on KCTS 9. This nostalgic and touching broadcast was made possible with the help of the public television station, which has been a part of the Seattle community for decades.
KCTS 9 played a vital role in bringing JP Patches’ Last Night of the City Dump to homes throughout the region. The station provided production assistance, cameras, and other equipment that was necessary for filming and broadcasting the tribute. In addition, KCTS 9 also helped to promote the special event, which was a major success among Seattleites who remembered “the world’s most bozo” from their childhood.
The show, which aired on KCTS 9 in 1981, was a tribute to local children’s show host Chris Wedes, who played the character of JP Patches for over twenty years. The three-hour broadcast featured highlights from Wedes’ career as well as special messages from fans who wanted to share their appreciation for his work.
KCTS 9 has played a significant role in the Seattle community, as it is the city’s primary public television station. Since its founding in 1954, the station has been dedicated to providing high-quality programming that informs, educates, and entertains viewers.
In conclusion, KCTS 9 played a crucial role in bringing JP Patches’ Last Night of the City Dump to the public. The station’s assistance and promotion of the broadcast helped to ensure its success and cemented its place in Seattleites’ memories for decades to come.
JP Patches is a cultural icon in the Pacific Northwest, and his show “JP Patches Show” holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers. Its run on KCTS 9 from 1958 to 1981 made JP Patches a beloved figure, and even after his death in 2011, he’s still fondly remembered. In this section, I will discuss the legacy of JP Patches and explain why the show is still remembered today.
1. Delighted Generations of Children:
The “JP Patches Show” was a children’s program that aired every morning, and JP Patches (played by Chris Wedes) was a clown who would entertain and educate children with his witty banter, skits, and various segments. He was the perfect blend of silly and serious, making him an instant hit with both children and parents.
2. Community Involvement:
JP Patches was more than just a TV show; it was a community. The show often featured a live studio audience, and JP Patches would frequently attend local parades and events, giving children an opportunity to meet him in person. Additionally, JP Patches would frequently address community issues on his show and raise awareness for various local causes.
3. Enduring Nostalgia:
Despite the show’s run ending in 1981, JP Patches’ legacy lives on. Fans of the show continue to hold JP Patches in high regard, and the show’s characters, skits, and phrases have found their way into the local lexicon. In addition, the last episode of the show, known as “The Last Night of the City Dump,” has become a beloved piece of local history, with annual screenings celebrating its enduring spirit.
In conclusion, the “JP Patches Show” was a beloved program that brought joy to the lives of countless children and adults in the Pacific Northwest. Its legacy of community involvement, witty humor, and the enduring nostalgia it’s created keeps it in the hearts of many to this day.
