Carny Town - Traveling Carnivals, Fairs and Festivals

Fontana Exchange Club plans 97th city festival - ContraCostaTimes.com

FONTANA - Exchange Club of Fontana members and the city are gearing up to celebrate everything that is good in this municipality.

The nonprofit service organization again this year is overseeing the 97th annual Fontana Days Festival.

The festival is set from Thursday through next Sunday. In keeping with the Exchange Club's literacy promotion, the 2010 festival theme is "Bookworm's Adventures in the Land of Nursery Rhymes."

Festivities begin Thursday at Veteran's Park. The four-day carnival will feature vendor booths, live entertainment, a livestock fair and folklorico and mariachi contests.

Wristband carnival ride admissions will be available Saturday and Sunday for $16. Admission to the carnival is free on Thursday, which will be Family Night and all rides are $1. Friday gate admission is $1 per person. Friday rides require a varied amount of tickets per ride. Saturday gate admission is free until 4 p.m., when it will be $1 per person.

via www.contracostatimes.com

Foods of the Fair

State fairs may differ from year to year and from state to state, but one thing remains a
constant – the food.  But, the financial challenge of getting to Grand Island for some vendors is too big to cover and for others nearby it's exactly what they've been waiting for.

A new location, layout and vendors, may seem like a cause for chaos. But Nebraska State Fair staff said it's actually a selling point.

"They're excited about what they're hearing and I think it will be a profitable venture for all of them," said Director Joseph McDermott.

The fair's new location does mean some vendors can't afford to relocate, but for others it's a lot less mileage.

"In Lincoln it would be an hour and a half away and that's hard to work away for 10 days like that and only because it came to Grand Island is the opportunity," said Ed Sabatka.

Ed Sabatka owns Uncle Ed's in Grand Island, he said the state fair wasn't on his to do list at first.

"I just mentioned it to [state fair staff] and they said, ‘we were just thinking about you' and I said, ‘oh
that's good'," said Sabatka.

Hours after calling the state fair, things fell in place; a friend found a custom trailer and another friend a sports team looking to raise money.

"He says ‘I could get you a dozen kids a day and some parents to chaperone them' and I said, ‘just on the weekends?' and he said, ‘no, everyday...within two days I put together the deal with the fair and my cooker and my concession stand and all my help," said Sabatka.

Sabatka said the investment has paid off, long before he thought it would.

"We just set up one for 200 last night with a company picnic because they've drove by and seen our concession stand and smoker," said Sabatka.

Nebraska State Fair Director, Joseph McDermott said he hopes the new location, layout and vendors
will add up to a great fair – if not this year, then next.

"It's kind of a test run to be honest with you. We'll learn a lot from the 2010 fair and we'll make some changes to make it better in 2011," said McDermott.

The new pod layout is for efficiency but does reduce the number of vendors. McDermott said they went from around 58 last year to 45.  He did want to assure everyone though, you will be able to get whatever you want and even get it on a stick.

via www.nebraska.tv

Contra Costa County fair fun begins Thursday

For many, the start of summer comes with a trip to the county fair, with attractions like concerts, animals, exhibits and more. The "Old Fashion Fun" event runs from June 3 to 6 at the fairgrounds, located at 1201 West 10th St. in Antioch.

An admission ticket provides access to more than 100 exhibits, whose themes include sporting goods, jewelry, fine arts, horticulture, livestock and more. Skip Banks the Balloon Man will be around to induce laughs and there will also be impromptu performances by cowboy troupe "Fables of the West."

Don't forget your hammer pants for MC Hammer's concert at 7 p.m., Friday, June 4. Tickets are $15 for general admission or $20 for reserved seating. Other shows include the '60s Summer of Love at 6 and 8 p.m. Thursday; Skynnyn Lynnyrd Reloaded, A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Great White at 8 p.m. Saturday, and the Gran D La Mas Mexicana show from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday. The latter shows are free with admission.

What would a county fair be without the carnival rides and delectable treats? The carnival hours are from noon to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 pm. Saturday and Sunday. Box office hours are from noon to 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for children 5 and under, $5 for kids 6 to 12, $8 for adults and $5 for seniors. Parking is $5.

via www.danvilleweekly.com

Smelly State Fair - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CA-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, Lincoln

The countdown is on, 89 days until the Nebraska State Fair. But some in Grand Island fear, that's not enough time to fix its biggest problem. Their concern? Not the buildings getting finished, or the landscaping, but rather the smell of JBS Swift scaring away visitors.

"It smells like dead burning blood," said Ron Miller. He knows the smell well. 25 years of living next to the swift plant Miller said will drive you crazy. "It is disgusting, it's just putrid and you never know when it's going to happen," said Miller.'

The fear for some, it will happen during Grand Island's debut, causing people to lose their lunch and leave.

"If you have all these people on the concourse having hot dogs and cotton candy and all of a sudden this smell comes and they feel like they're going to throw up, they'll get back in their car and leave and they aint never coming back," said Miller.

City officials are well aware of the stench and have been working with JBS to find a solution. The company is now in the process of a 133 million dollar plant upgrade; 800 thousand of which will go to odor abatement.

"We're hoping JBS sticks to their commitment of doubling their rendering air scrubbing capacity, increase the height of their stacks. Were especially hoping they can get that done by July 1st, because that beats the county fair and gives us a bit more time to know what it's going to be like when the state fair comes," said Public Works Director Steve Riehle.

Taking the stacks up to 30 feet, JBS said should put the smell over the heads of fair goers. But, JBS only guarantees the improvements will "knock the smell down quite a bit." Riehle said it's a start.

"I think that's going to significantly reduce the chances of having a smell that bothers the people that come to the state fair," he said.

Mayor Hornady said the livestock at the fair will do much to mask anything coming from the plant. She said her first concern is for Grand Island residents. The Swift smell will never go away, but she said she's trusting it will get better.

"I am giving them the benefit of the doubt...I really am," said Mayor Hornady. But, that's a trust miller doesn't share.  "Well, it's been 25 years and nothings been done," said Miller.

JBS does admit that there were ignored complaints, but it was prior to them acquiring the plant. They said they are dedicated to the issue and hope to have it resolved as early as next month.

via www.nebraska.tv

Forum - Carny Town - Traveling Carnivals, Fairs, Festivals, Theme Parks

Forum - Carny Town - Traveling Carnivals, Fairs, Festivals, Theme Parks.
Was just informed by phone that our good friend Phil Dolce is in surgery in Shreveport where he fell ill at the Harrah’s Lousiana Downs Spring Fair, Bossier City, Louisiana...

Anyone at the event who has updates please let us know...

Sacramento County Fair provides a wild time

Visitors to Cal Expo smell greasy food and fresh manure, which can mean one thing: The Sacramento County Fair is back.

Fair manager T.J. Plew said that this year’s fair features some fun, new and exciting entertainment.

“We have the safari theme and with that we’ve booked a camel show, an urban jungle bird show, an actual safari exhibit with some fun creatures from around the world, and a monkey show," she said. All the shows provide fairgoers with interesting animal facts and let them see unusual tricks.

The camel show featured a demonstration on how to milk a camel. Observers learned that camels give milk for only 90 seconds at a time. Once it started flowing, the fun began. Children watched the camel-milking action in awe.

In the breezeway between the usual community exhibits and shoppers expo, was Safari Adventure Live, with animals ranging from the cute and cuddly kangaroo to the creepy hissing cockroach.

Kids were put through their paces on a National Guard-sponsored obstacle course, crawling under a cloth net, riding small bicycles through bales of hay, and running through tires.

Behind the scenes, employees work around the clock to make sure everything goes smoothly. Plew and her crew are asked one question after another about parking permits and admission credentials for the various food vendors. The team coordinates locations, schedules entertainment, and plans around school schedules for youth exhibitors.

The fair employs about 25 official volunteers, along with parents associated with some of the youth exhibits. Volunteers set up displays and help in the competitions and livestock barn. “We’re always looking for fun, energetic people that want to lend a hand and provide input as to what it means to have fun, affordable entertainment,” Plew said.

About 13,500 guests visit the fair per day, she said. With 25 food booths and 120 vendors showcasing their products, there’s plenty to eat and buy. On the carnival side, Plew said that the fair works with one carnival operator. “He has 32 rides, five food booths, and 12 games,” she said.

Work on the county fair starts in September and ends in May, just in time for opening day. The usual Ferris wheel, bumper cars and carousel can be found in the midway, along with a two-story slide; the Big Dipper, which takes riders on an up-and-down twirling adventure; a fun house; and a jungle-themed adventure walk through, where kids can climb and run across wooden bridges. The Graviton, a spaceship lookalike, provides riders with a weightless experience with its spinning, tilting and shifting platforms. For the wee ones, there are a few small roller coasters, tea cups and a bee-themed aerial ride. Game players can win giant stuffed animals or goldfish by testing their aim with a water gun, or showing off their skills at darts and basketball.

The Sacramento County Fair wasn’t always in Sacramento. “The fair originally was in Galt and at one point was kind of moved around,” Plew said. “It sold its property in Galt so that Cal Expo could have the funds to be built.” Since the construction of Cal Expo, the county and state fairs shared the fairgrounds. “We’re the only fair that doesn’t have its own fairgrounds in California,” Plew said. “Every other county fair has its own facility.”

“Our mission here is to provide fun, affordable family entertainment,” Plew said. “With only a three-dollar gate, and with all the entertainment that’s new, plus the stuff that’s always been here, I think we’ve accomplished that.”

The Sacramento County Fair runs through Memorial Day at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. Parking is $10 and admission is $3. Ages 62 and older and children younger than 12 are admitted free. Saturday and Sunday the fair will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Memorial Day, the fair will open at 10 a.m., wrapping up at 6 p.m. The carnival will stay open an hour after

via www.sacramentopress.com

East Fishkill festival features carnival rides | poughkeepsiejournal.com | Poughkeepsie Journal

HOPEWELL JUNCTION — Fireworks, fun, food. For more than two decades, Memorial Day weekend has offered that and more in East Fishkill. The Order Sons of Italy Joe DiMaggio Lodge No. 2248 will again host the annual East Fishkill Community Festival through Sunday.

via www.poughkeepsiejournal.com

Matt's Carnival Warehouse - Message Board - Quality of postings lately

Pinetar Ride Supervisor USA 10485 Posts	| Post #1 | Posted - 05/28/2010 : 6:43:14 PM I was waiting for a response from the likes of fixit, expecting him to delete the "hurley foot in mouth topic". too many moronic postings lately, including those from Scott. If this site can't leave hurley's posting up for him to squirm in the pile he left, then I no longer want to contribute or be a member. This site is in no way with-it. Matt, chris, go to my membership and hit closed/canceled. After 10 plus years, I no longer feel like I can stand this kiddie popstand and the moderators. "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ...; 'what a ride!'"
Mr. Fixit Lot Foreman 596 Posts	| Post #2 | Posted - 05/28/2010 : 7:32:46 PM Sorry you feel that way, Gary. Account locked per member's request. CAUTION, Administrator at work. This is a troll-free zone. "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." - Charles Darwin
Matt C. Owner USA 4651 Posts	| Post #3 | Posted - 05/28/2010 : 7:53:39 PM Gary, I too am sorry that you feel that way. I noticed that your post quality as well has nose dived. You complain that the quality of topics is poor, yet you rarely contribute anything positive or informative but instead torment those that are posting. Instead of complaining, why don't you post something of quality? And don't use the excuse of it's everyone and not you. ----------------- Matt Cook Matt's Carnival Warehouse / Matt's Web Design http://www.carnivalwarehouse.com http://www.mwdwebdesign.com
Pizzagod Maintenance Supervisor USA 921 Posts	| Post #4 | Posted - 05/28/2010 : 8:06:22 PM You know, a little "Ball-busting" is fun, but it's like there is a swing to see how badly somebody can injure somebody else. Yeah, I have to Google half of what Lee says. Yeah, I haven't got a clue as to what the jointees are talking about. But just like being on a show, we're all out here together. It's kind of like television, you know, 88 channels and they all suck? You just wait until something good comes on. I'll go days without commenting and then there is suddenly a lot that piques my interest. (BTW-that Netterfield seafood trailer has been listed again). You really should stick around, you have a lot of perspective that the fan-guys and the newbies don't.
crny1234 Ride Supervisor USA 1447 Posts	| Post #5 | Posted - 05/28/2010 : 8:50:21 PM so is this topic moving to special announcements section.... You know like are thoughts and prayers go out.......R.I.P pintar.... JUST JOKING....LOL your right if he insued more knowledge and stop picking on people..... "NOW MICHAEL," said the teacher to the agressive youngster," what do you think your classmates would think of you if you were always kind and polite?" " they'd think they could beat me up!... " GO YANKEES "
2ndgencarnie Ride Supervisor USA 5178 Posts	| Post #6 | Posted - 05/28/2010 : 11:37:31 PM Is this real? he spouts off and like that, he's done. Maybe we shouldn't have locked his account that easy, I mean who's to say he hasn't missed his meds for a few days now. Don't get me wrong, Piney p***es me off just as much as the next guy but to just drop the 3rd highest contributer without so much as a don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out seems a little over the top....
42WLA Ride Supervisor USA 1195 Posts	| Post #7 | Posted - 05/28/2010 : 11:42:29 PM quote: Originally posted by 2ndgencarnie Is this real? he spouts off and like that, he's done. Maybe we shouldn't have locked his account that easy, I mean who's to say he hasn't missed his meds for a few days now. Don't get me wrong, Piney p***es me off just as much as the next guy but to just drop the 3rd highest contributer without so much as a don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out seems a little over the top.... Would you expect anything less from a fan? I have done so much,with so little,for so long,I am now qualified to do anything with nothing!
Ohio Ron Maintenance Supervisor USA 956 Posts	| Post #8 | Posted - 05/28/2010 : 11:54:00 PM quote: 42WLA Posted - 05/28/2010 : 11:42:29 PM Would you expect anything less from a fan? Nothing less. Gary has forgotten more about this business than most on here will ever know.
2ndgencarnie Ride Supervisor USA 5178 Posts	| Post #9 | Posted - 05/28/2010 : 11:55:25 PM quote: Originally posted by Ohio Ron quote: 42WLA Posted - 05/28/2010 : 11:42:29 PM Would you expect anything less from a fan? Nothing less. Gary has forgotten more about this business than most on here will ever know. I knew this would drag you out of hiding....lol Your dead on Ron, it's a shame no matter how crabby he is....
Soda Guy Foreman 340 Posts	| Post #10 | Posted - 05/29/2010 : 12:44:21 AM My question is how many models do you have to build to become an expert in the carnival business? And if you move your models around in a basement during the winter is that where you learn how to "move a show"? I hope Gary comes back, I mean he could and did answer questions about real iron, real problems and yes he could be a real pain in the a*# but at least he knows how to load up a grease gun.
indianacarnie with it/for it USA 322 Posts	| Post #11 | Posted - 05/29/2010 : 12:49:16 AM very well said an end, even with terror, is better than terror without end. F.Neitzsche
jdog 40-Miler USA 31 Posts	| Post #12 | Posted - 05/29/2010 : 12:54:35 AM Well if u folks were really with it u wouldnt have a problem witht the promotion of the industry on any site also u damn sure wouldnt have these "fans" as mods here and wouldnt knock showmen this is a fan based site only ya'll folks that is really with it come join us at c a r n y t o w n . com the leading site for the amusement industry catering to needs of showmen worldwide we will be lookin forward to the time justin james quits readin our blogs and actually joins the chat cause he is there all the time bet ya'll didnt know that did ya.Also 1 of these days john777 will grow up and use his real name instead of the alias johnny black when he visits the site.As a matter of fact 90%of MCW users are already CT members did ya know that matt yet they are not allowed to mention CT on this site.What is this a daycare where u cant assosciate with the other class,how can u be showmen when it is a family business where those who r with it stick together.By the way what is a fan i thought they went to concerts and s*** not carnival sites or shows those are not caled fans they r called mooches. Well i reckon i am gonna be banned after this post cause u folks cant handle someone voicin their opinions ,and since i know i will be banned to yalls fearful leader mrcook he is nothin more than a mooch himself.Well we will be glad to c u folks on CT again it is the #1 site for the traveling amusements industry hands down please allcome see us .

Ozark Mountain Fair Tackles Early Problems - NWAHomePage.com

Ozark Mountain Fair Tackles Early Problems - NWAHomePage.com.

Thursday, May 27 2010

The Ozark Mountain Fair will be held Saturday, May 29th until Sunday, June 6th at the Washington County Fairgrounds, but the Fair has encountered a big problem that caused changes in their schedule and location.  Muddy conditions on the original site forced a day delay in the start and to move from just outside the Washington County Fairgrounds to on the Fairgrounds.

Gary Zaitshik is President of Wade Shows Incorporated, the company that owns the 28 rides that will be at the Ozark Mountain Fair, and he talked about the mud saying, "The foundation here is just too loose.  When we block up rides we want it to be stable.  We've got rides that are in motion with people on them, we want it to be safe."

Zaitshik fells the new location is the perfect spot, "The foundation there is solid as a rock, no issues at all, so I think we made a very good choice on moving."

Zaitshik also said the original location will be smoothed out from all the tire marks left behind.

Click play for more, included a monkey riding a dog.  

For more on the Fair click here.

links for 2010-05-28

• Exciting Regional Theatre in the Finger Lakes
  (tags: Theatre, theater)