Carny Town - Traveling Carnivals, Fairs and Festivals

Southern NM State Fair kicks off - KVIA.com El Paso, Las Cruces - Weather, News, Sports -

Southern NM State Fair kicks off - KVIA.com El Paso, Las Cruces - Weather, News, Sports -.

DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. -- If you are looking for something fun to this week, Dona Ana County may be where you should be heading. The 43rd Annual Southern New Mexico State Fair kicked off Wednesday. Featuring more than 200 vendors this year, executive director Wilma Arroyos says the amount of interactive activities here are limitless. There's rodeo nights, a hands-on circus for kids, magic shows, car races, and giant bug exhibits, but this year, some tigers are taking the reins and really stealing the show. "They're beautiful, gorgeous animals. Last year I think they had bears, it was kinda a surprise to see tigers this year," said one visitor to the fair. Cage handler Mike Inks said that the tigers come in four different-colored coats. He said there are only about 40 snow white tigers in the world, and four of them are at the fair. The fair runs Wednesday through Sunday, and all eight tigers can be seen each day.

Senate proposes funding state fair - DailyPress.net | News, Sports, Jobs, Escanaba Information | The Daily Press

Senate proposes funding state fair - DailyPress.net | News, Sports, Jobs, Escanaba Information | The Daily Press.

ESCANABA - A proposed Senate budget, now being considered, restores funding for the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, after Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced in March state funding for the fair would be eliminated. It does not include funding for the U.P. State Fair. The Senate and House have several tough votes remaining to erase a projected $2.8 billion deficit. It's possible the Legislature will complete an interim budget to provide more time for lawmakers to approve a budget, avoiding a potential partial government shutdown. Today is the deadline for the Legislature to come up with a budget. Granholm announced this past spring state funding for the Michigan State Fair and U.P. State Fair would cease following the 2009 fair season. Sen. Mike Prusi, D-Ishpeming, said he was not pleased when he learned about the funding measure being introduced as part of the budget proposal. "It is my understanding that this funding measure will not pass, as the governor intends to use her line item veto power to eliminate it from the budget," said Prusi. He also said the measure was not sitting well with him as he and other legislators worked with local officials to legislate transfer of ownership of the U.P. State Fairground to Delta County. Prusi said the legislation was drafted and approved in record time, and he was proud of how everyone involved stepped up and made the transition smooth. "I have been told similar action is underway in Detroit concerning the Michigan State Fair," said Prusi. He also added he had been planning to vote no on the current budget proposal due to cuts in revenue sharing with local governments. Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta Commerce Center, said the new U.P. State Fair Authority was continuing to move forward with plans which have been in place for the past six months. "If funding is restored to the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, then I would expect our U.P. State Fair Authority would also receive transitional funds from the state," said Micheau. Micheau said the U.P. State Fair Authority is currently working on having premiums from the state restored to help young exhibitors.

Nonprofits gather 50,000 petition signatures to preserve State Fair funding - Detroit News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business

Nonprofits gather 50,000 petition signatures to preserve State Fair funding - Detroit News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business.

A group of nonprofits plans to deliver over 50,000 petition signatures to the governor this afternoon in an effort to preserve state support of the Michigan State Fair. The Youth Connection (formerly known as Mayor’s Time), Eight Mile Boulevard Association, Woodward Avenue Action Association and ICARE have gathered the signatures over the past month in the hopes of saving the 106-year-old state fair, the oldest in the U.S. The Youth Connection, Eight Mile Boulevard Association and Joe Dumars Fieldhouse are the sole remaining tenants of the state fair grounds, said Jeff Griffith, communications director for the Youth Connection. “Obviously, there’s self-interest because we’re a tenant at the fairgrounds,” he said. “But if it’s just going to be boarded up while they try to get development deals done, we’re concerned about what’s going to happen to the fairgrounds…(and) another 162 acres of blight in the city of Detroit.” The group is pushing for more time for a viable use to be developed for the fairgrounds, Griffith said. “Our main concern is keeping the state fairgrounds open and viable,” he said. “And the state fair is an ancillary concern.” The Conference Committee on General Government, made up of members of both the House and Senate, on Tuesday approved $6.6 million in funding for the state fair in the coming year and $500,000 for creation of a regional authority. The issue is expected to go before a vote in both the house and senate today, said Amy Buttery, legislative assistant to Rep. Fred Durhal Jr., D-Detroit, chair of the house appropriations subcommittee on general government. “These signatures show that there is serious support for the State Fairgrounds and State Fair,” said Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit), in a release. “The State Fair is profitable and to close, secure, and shutter the property will cost more than leaving it open with its current activities. We need to make sure there is a safe and economically secure plan for this valuable property before making any changes. I urge the governor to not veto the funding that the Michigan Legislature agreed to yesterday.”

North Carolina's Chatham County Agricultural Fair begins today

Sanford Herald - Agricultural Fair begins today.

PITTSBORO — “The Family Friendly Fair.” That’s the theme for the 59th Annual Chatham County Fair, which begins today and runs through Saturday at the Chatham County Fairgrounds on U.S. 64 in Pittsboro. “We want to make sure everyone comes to The Family Friendly Fair and enjoy themselves,” said Larry Brooks, president of the sponsoring non-profit Chatham County Agricultural and Industrial Fair Association. “It’s a time for relaxation and fun.” Brooks said the fair has much to offer to the community. “Even a small county fair, it’s a place where the entire community comes,” he said. An opening ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. today, with a welcome from Brooks, musical selections from the Northwood High School Band Jazz Ensemble, greetings from the N.C. Department of Agriculture, comments from elected officials and a tribute to Margaret Pollard. In addition, there will be free admission for students 18 and under on opening night only. Gates open at 5 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at noon on Saturday. Fair admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under age 6. On Thursday, the theme will be “Get Healthy Chatham!” There will be health screenings sponsored by Piedmont Health Services Inc., free massages, healthy foods and nutrition sponsored by Chatham MarketPlace, information on prevention and intervention, and survey of local food production and promotion in the community. On Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon, there will be a senior citizens program for Chatham County residents only. Included will be games and entertainment, presentation by Chatham County Sheriff’s Department on personal safety, fall fashion show and spelling bee. After the games open to the public at 6 p.m. Friday, a gospel music celebration starts at 6:30. On Saturday, a music extravaganza is set from noon until 5 p.m., with dancing to tunes by local bands from 1 until 3 p.m. The Youth Talent Search will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., with prizes to the top three finishers. At 5 p.m. will be the Miss Chatham County Fair Pageant. Contestants include: o Little Miss Chatham County Fair (ages 5 to 11): Jenna Dominguez of Pittsboro, Amelia Guthrie of Siler City and Maya Guthrie of Siler City. o Miss Teen Chatham County Fair (ages 12 to 17): Kenya Lee of Moncure, Anna LaRocco Masi of Pittsboro and Loriann Shelton of Bear Creek. The pageant will be followed at 6 p.m. by the Ice Cream Churn-off Contest, with winners in the youth and adult categories. Also on Saturday will be the Biggest Pumpkin and Biggest Watermelon contests. Brooks says the fair will have more rides than in recent years — and there will be food available. So what is the favorite part of the fair for Brooks? “It’s probably eating,” he said. “I don’t do a lot of riding, so my favorite part is eating. Also, the gospel singing is great. The arts from the school kids. There’s plenty to enjoy at the fair.” Brooks said that he believes it’s the little things that makes the fair enjoyable. “Seeing a smile on the kids faces,” he said. “They’re so excited.”

99th County Fair Kicks Off Tuesday

99th County Fair Kicks Off Tuesday.

The 99th Halifax County Fair will kick off Tuesday for its five-day run at the fairgrounds with an exciting entertainment lineup for fairgoers featuring Jimmy Fortune, Chuck Wicks, a Saturday Bluegrass Music Festival, an exciting midway, exhibits and spectacular fireworks shows. The midway will open daily Tuesday through Friday at 5 p.m. and on Saturday at noon featuring rides for the young and the adventurous. Free grandstand shows are scheduled Tuesday through Saturday with the 4-H talent show opening tomorrow at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening Jimmy Fortune, who is best remembered as one of Country Hall of Fame’s famous Statler Brothers, will perform at 8 p.m. At the grandstand Thursday, the North Carolina A&T Drumline will entertain at 8 p.m. Country music artist Chuck Wicks is the headliner Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday Bluegrass Festival The Bluegrass Festival will kick off at noon Saturday with Halifax County’s Lawson Creek Grass, followed at 1 p.m. by the all-female band Sweet Potato Pie. At 3 p.m., Al Batten & Bluegrass Experience will take the stage. Saturday afternoon encores include Lawson Creek Grass at 3 p.m., Sweet Potato Pie at 4 p.m. and Al Batten & Bluegrass Experience performing from 5-6 p.m. The Dan Tyminski Band will be the final band to take the stage Saturday with its performance at 8 p.m. Tyminski’s resume includes membership in Alison Krauss and Union Station. He is best known for his updated version of “Man of Constant Sorrows.” Exhibits All fair exhibits will be judged today. The Wide World of Animals will be featured Tuesday through Saturday with the following schedules. Tuesday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m., noon and 7 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m., noon and 7 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m., noon and 7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Spectacular fireworks are scheduled Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

"Green" funhouse at the South Plains Fair - KCBD, NewsChannel 11 Lubbock |

"Green" funhouse at the South Plains Fair - KCBD, NewsChannel 11 Lubbock |.

This year the fair is going greener with a new attraction. The new Mardi Grass Glass House is two stories tall, one story has a mirrored maze. This is the Miller Company's first attempt to go green with the hundreds of lights on the attraction. The Miller Company owns most of the rides at the South Plains Fair. "All the lights are LED and it's very energy conserving. Its been another great attraction at the fair," says Freddy Miller, Mardi Gras House owner. These lights last longer, save energy and are much brighter at night. Even though it's not like the other 'rides' at the fair, it is one of the top three attractions at the Midway Carnival.

Fairgoers flock to two popular new rides

Fairgoers flock to two popular new rides on the carnival midway

This year the Panhandle South Plains Fair has two new special additions to the midway carnival - two new rides that can only be found here in Lubbock. People are waiting in line to see what's so special about these new rides. One is called the Eclipse - it's the only one in the U.S. and there are only three in the entire world! According to each night's ticket sales, the Eclipse has been the #1 this year, and for a good reason. "It's just so unique in its action as to what it does because it's got four different actions all combined together," said Ride Supervisor Freddy Miller. There's another ride that's going to the "extreme" to make people scream - it's called the Xscream and like the Eclipse it's the only one here in the U.S. "It's a really, really fast ride and elevates you 50 feet into the air," said Miller. From the looks of it, these two rides will continue to be crowd favorites for the rest of the week. Admission to get into the fair is $7 for adults 13 and over, $2 for children 12 and under and parking is $30. The fair will be open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until midnight.

Amusementline.com

Amusementline.com.

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reBlog from halloween.travelingcarnivalwarehouse.com: Scaredy CatHalloween promotions site provided by carnytown.com

I found this fascinating quote today:

Establishing its place in “Horror Movie History” and the Guinness Book of World Records, Scream Zone 2009 drew 263 “Friday the 13th” movie fans to assemble the largest number of horror movie characters in one place ever! The Honorable Mayor of Del Mar, Crystal Crawford, officiated the event alongside Chief Shelly Zimmerman and Detective Kelene Munro from the San Diego Police Department. Everyone who participated registered to receive a Jason Voorhees mask and machete, and an official certificate commemorating the event.halloween.travelingcarnivalwarehouse.com, Scaredy CatHalloween promotions site provided by carnytown.com, Sep 2009

You should read the whole article.

133rd Deerfield Fair stands ready to feed, entertain hordes

UnionLeader.com - New Hampshire news, business and sports - Joe McQuaid: 133rd Deerfield Fair stands ready to feed, entertain hordes of visitors - Monday, Sep. 28, 2009.

The fair starts Thursday. When I was a kid growing up in Candia, you didn't have to say anymore than that. It was understood. You meant the Deerfield Fair. In fact, it wasn't until I was older that I realized there were fairs other than Deerfield's. It was difficult to imagine. It's still a little hard to accept. It's like being told there's more than one Heaven or Fenway Park or "Caddyshack." (Well, there was another "Caddyshack" movie, but let's not go there.) 2009McQuaidPubNotessig_135px The fair starts Thursday, and this year the organizers have had the great good sense not to invite me to help officially open it, as they did last year, so the weather should be better. Last year was wetter than wet, but that just proved the fair's popularity and the hardiness of the exhibitors and organizers. While they didn't have record crowds, they had amazingly large turnouts and, as the saying goes, a good time was had by all. How anyone could manage not to have a good time at the Deerfield Fair is beyond me. The fair not only has something for everyone, its various "somethings" are so interesting that pretty much everyone likes more than one thing. Such as? Well, let me think: The horse show. It is one of the finest in the Northeast. You win at the Deerfield Fair and it's like winning an NFL playoff. Same goes for the horse pulling. There have been times when the horses have been so strong that they've run out of weight for the stone boats and have had to ask spectators to come down and sit atop the load. The sideshows. You walk down a path, following the scent of sausage and onions or funnel cakes and fried dough, and you come across a little stage and an attentive crowd seated on benches under the scented pine trees. Next thing you know you are watching a magic show or a dance revue. The rides. I know the mechanical rides follow a carnival circuit, and I hope that the teenager who was injured at a recent fair is OK. But I don't recall anyone at Deerfield ever being thrown, "chucked" or "lobbed" from a ride there. (I also thought those were odd choices of verbs in our news stories on the recent incident.) The animals. My grandson is at about the perfect age to enjoy the animal barns at the fair. Watching chicks hatch and piglets squeal for their momma and lambs being groomed, what could be better? Then there are the hardy breed of salesmen, and women, who are still on the circuit pitching their miracle knives and other wares with a mix of banter and dexterity that would make a politician envious. I can almost hear them now, "Wait! You're both right! It's a dessert topping and a floor cleaner!" See you at the fair.