Faine is a local children’s book author and entertainer. Under his alias, “How-To Cowboy,” Faine hosts joke fests for kids around the Washington area. The free events encourage kids to get on stage and tell a joke, and every child that participates gets a book. Do you ever have trouble getting kids to join in?

Believe me, they come up. I don’t have to do anything. Sometimes, they may be a little difficult, they’re shy. Definitely, in a festival setting, the parents will egg them on. The very first time I did it formally at the First Night Alexandria, I was little concerned it wouldn’t be too successful. I had my pocket stuffed with jokes. But it’s the kids who provide the entertainment.