Chief Warrant Officer Brian Potts of Middletown returns to Iraq this month for his third tour of duty.

It was pretty quiet along Longview Avenue in Middletown Friday, until the Bensalem Marching Band, led by a clown named Smiley, burst in on a party for local Marine. Chief Warrant Officer Brian Potts, 33, was momentarily speechless as a dozen young men and women marched through the gate of his sister's backyard to perform Karl King's ' 'Hosts of Freedom.' Neighbors were equally intrigued at the sight of a clown leading a marching band through the street at 4 p.m. on a Friday. Potts, a radar maintenance worker who returns for his third tour of duty in Iraq this month, was joined by family from all over the East Coast this weekend. Potts couldn't discuss details of his next mission, which comes as U.S. troops begin a withdrawal from major cities in Iraq. Kristy Masterson hosted the carnival-themed party with clowns, field games and a dunk tank. Brian's mom Jackie Potts contacted the Bensalem High School Marching Band after visiting their Web site. Band Director Ed Downs said the group was happy to make the appearance. The school district's music program needs to perform in the community more often, he said. Still, it was tough getting everyone together in just under six days, he added. Band alumni like Matt Koppenhaver, who graduated from Bensalem High School in 2006, agreed to come back. One of about 30 members to perform Friday, Koppenhaver had to be refitted for his old uniform. "This is pretty cool - not something you get to do every day," he said, trying not to sweat in his wool uniform. Still, he was eager to be there. It's not every day, you get to throw a surprise parade, band members said.