The Professional Zaniac opens Auburn’s Kids Summerstage series

Published 2:58 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2026

The Les Gove Park shaded amphitheater was filled with families on picnic blankets, laughing along to the tricks by Alex Zerbe, the Professional Zaniac.

Zerbe, known as a prop comedian, was the first performer of the Kids Summerstage series that returned to the park on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, July 15. The series will run at noon every Wednesday through Aug. 12 at the park, 910 Ninth St. SE.

The part of the comedy and tricks performance by the Zaniac that seemed to be most enjoyed by families was the level of interaction that he had with the crowd. He had multiple volunteers come up to help him out with his act and become a part of the show.

Jim Kleinbeck, the arts program coordinator for city’s department of Parks, Arts and Recreation, commented on the joy among residents about the summer series.

“It’s great to have free, high-quality entertainment for our citizens in Auburn, especially for the kids. I love to watch the interactions that they have with a performer like Alex,” Kleinbeck said.

Kids Summerstage has been an integral part of summer in Auburn for at least 20 years. The City of Auburn’s Parks, Arts and Recreation department hosts this free event for community members of all ages.

“It’s a good opportunity to present some good-quality entertainment. Not just to kids, but to families,” Kleinbeck said.

He also expressed the importance of “bringing the arts and entertainment outside. Especially on a day like today (July 15). It’s a beautiful day today, a little bit of a breeze…it’s just a lot of fun.”

“We just have a beautiful backdrop here in the Auburn area, in the Pacific Northwest,” Kleinbeck said.