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Call me simple-minded, but nothing gets my attention like bright, shiny objects. With that said, it should be no surprise that the carnivals sprouting up around the Valley, with their arrays of flashing lights mounted upon stomach-churning rides, have definitely caught my eye. I couldn’t resist briefly wandering over to the small collection of rides and games set up across the street from The Monitor’s offices last week. I had plans to be in San Antonio all weekend, so I knew I wouldn’t have the chance to visit any other carnivals before they left town. Or so I thought. My plans for San Antonio, to make a long story short, fell through. I had been looking forward to the trip for quite a while, so obviously I was a bit disappointed when it didn’t happen — but at least I could go to the carnival if I wanted to. You’re probably thinking one of two things right about now: “Is this one of those columns in which Andy yet again rambles on about his fascination with Katy Perry?” or “hasn’t this idiot been to a carnival before?” Yes, I will likely mention Katy Perry, and yes, I’ve been to a carnival before — but anyone who has been outside lately knows that there’s nothing like going to one of the many carnivals during November in the Rio Grande Valley. While the rest of America is chattering its teeth, the weather here is perfect for being outdoors, eating ridiculously unhealthy food and entrusting your life to rickety rides that look as if they might collapse at any minute. (Side note: I always think of Austin Powers talking about his fear of carnies whenever I pass by a carnival. “(They) smell like cabbage. Small hands.”) On Sunday night, I went with my friends and my “boo” (that’s the way the cool kids refer to their girlfriend) to the carnival near Expressway 83 in Mission, which was easily twice the size of the one on Nolana Avenue in McAllen. With my 2-foot-tall green alien cup full of Coke, I proceeded to try my luck at the numerous games of dumb luck skill. At the basketball toss, the carny “turned a blind eye” while we all got an extra shot to try to win a fabulous prize. Naturally, I missed all of my shots. At another booth, one of the prizes competitors could win was a small Chris Brown poster (alas, there was no Katy Perry poster), but no one in my group felt like throwing darts at balloons — Chris Brown would have made a better target anyway. Instead, we bought a bucket of plastic rings for $5 and tried to toss them onto the necks of glass bottles. The ring toss prizes included a bike and a variety of cheap-looking, unlicensed NFL jerseys. I, of course, had my eye on winning a red Michael Crabtree 49ers jersey, but was never able to land a ring around a bottle — and I’m pretty sure no one else had done so, either; the game is just about impossible. Had I won the ring toss, I was also considering getting a Dallas Cowboys jersey — I needed a rag to clean my toilet with, after all. By the end of the night, my group had won several prizes, including a giant plush banana, three stuffed tigers and a small pink dolphin. I myself came away from the carnival sneezing out brown gunk from the dusty parking area and a stomach ache from the food — I didn’t even get on the rides. More importantly, I had turned what could have been a huge disappointment — not going to San Antonio — into a fun-filled night with people I care about, all without leaving town. Maybe that was the real prize. I’d settle for a Katy Perry poster, though. Andy Comer is the slot editor and a columnist for The Monitor. Contact him at acomer@themonitor.com.
Las Vegas, Nevada (United States) – Today, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced the winners of its Big E Awards at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009. In its eleventh year, the awards honor the best in live entertainment at amusement parks and attractions throughout the world. Held at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, the ceremony kicked off with Las Vegas-grandeur featuring performances by “Jubilee!” show girls, “Le Grande Cirque” performers, and popular Las Vegas magician Jason Byrne. The 15 categories recognized productions, individual performers, sports, edutainment, and spirit. The Big E Awards were sponsored by Heartbeat Productions, Inc., Matt Davenport Productions, Inc., and RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc. A complete list of award winners and honorable mention recipients for the 2009 Big E Awards follows: Best Overall Production, More Than $2 million Best Overall Production, $1 million – $2 million Best Overall Production, $500,001 – $1 million Best Overall Production, $300,001 – $500,000 Best Overall Production, $150,001 – $300,000 Best Overall Production, $50,001 – $150,000 Best Overall Production, $25,001 – $50,000 Best Overall Production, $25,000 or Less Best Atmosphere/Street Performer Best Sports Show Best Live Edutainment Show Heartbeat Award Spirit Award Best Female Performer Best Male Performer ![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=830f2915-fe8b-4020-acd7-3316147275e8) MEMBERS ON THE TRAIL-Marcus Brumberger October 27, 2009 11:30AM – Today we talked to Keith Tompkins from Rock Falls, IL., who is keeping busy off the road setting up a new website which will be at www.keithsequipment.com He pointed out that he has plenty of new and used concession and restaurant equipment in stock including; Cotton Candy Machines, Deep Fryers, Hot Dog Roasters, Nacho Machines, Pizza Ovens,Grills and MORE! Keith normaly plays the Midwest and commented on the overly rainy weather, same as everybody, we have talked to but point out, there were still lots of people on the midway. The thing he noticed most this year is that; instead of sausage, fried dough, fries and a drink they have cut back their purchases to a corn dog and a drink. Our customers HAVE cut back on their expenditures. In a nutshell, he indicated that, things are changing on the midway and we have to be more creative on how we market our products. Bottom line, is always the same…. "Flash is Cash" Keith is eagerly looking forward to the shows in Vegas and Gibtown Here’s Keith’s number in case you need some equipment before his new site is up and running. 815-622-6123 815-716-0184 (Cell) October 24th-Attended the 92nd Annual Jeffersonian Sullivan County Democratic Committee gathering where we met up and had a brief interview with Andrew Cuomo (NY State Attorney General and potential Governorship candidate). We asked him how he felt about ride companies playing NY State. In a nutshell; the news is probably not that good. Complete story in the Forum. Reports coming out of the Mississippi State Fair indicate that the "extra" Monday was very successful. Record crowds were observed and it was one of the best weeknights. So, the "gamble" paid off on this one contrary to negative expectations. Our members at the Tennessee State Fair report that in the middle of a rainy, cold non productive day on the midway, the Mayor of the host city got on the microphone and announced that this would be the last Fair. Of course, this is not news because we have reported on it already, but it was the last nail in the coffin for the hard working carnies and vendors that were there. To add insult to injury; in the middle of a bad day it got worse. Thanks, Mr. Mayor. It’s not big news, but it is raining in Tuscaloosa, AL on the last day of the Western Alamaba State Fair where we met up with Phil Cowell of PAK Enterprises and Frank Sutton who is Manager of Geren Rides. He indicated that he was excited to have staff members of Carny Town booked in with them (we have Carny Town’s "strange thing" single o, on the midway) We also are glad to be back working with Dave Brewer who has his two story funhouse, "The Magic Carpet," up at this spot. It’s an amazing piece that Dave built with his own hands; as he says "every rivet, every weld and a lot of my own blood, is on it" Also seen there was Johnny Sands who is the promoter of the Western Alabama State Fair….a full article and video interview is on the "On the Midway" blog. In an interview on September 30th near Raleigh, North Carolina we encountered Paul Davis of the Plant City Strawberry Festival who indicated they were quite happy with their new ride provider Belle City Amusements. Last year, the new midway consisted of 80-85 rides and 175 concessions. When asked about the new contract he indicated it was a “lengthy” one with breaks as needed. Other shows, he said, have contacted them, but they are happy at this point with where they are. Shelby County Fair Ran into a lot of folks who are members who were pleasent and cordial. I ran into Larry Koza and Lionel Miller both of whom were excited to see us and indicated that we were certainly the new AB online. Lionel pointed out that he used to big, but not so, now, but still going strong. They pointed out that Carny Town is preserving the carnival heritage and stop by a lot. They were upbeat and looking forward to a great event in Shelby, NC. Lionel said he would take some time to do a video interview, probably in Gibtown. Tommy Popovich was also in Shelby, busy getting rides together.
Update: The state began an investigation this morning into how four people were injured Sunday on a ride at the 75th Pensacola Interstate Fair. When representatives of the State were contacted we learned that the accident involved a piece of scenery, that came loose. The ride has been disassembled and removed from the property. Carny Town will report any further information in this area as it becomes available. Raleigh, N.C. — More people went to the North Carolina State Fair in 2009 than in any other year, officials announced this week. Spokesman Brian Long said that 104,370 people visited on the final day of the fair Sunday, bringing the total attendance to 877,941. That broke the record of 858,611 set in 2007. This year’s State Fair also set five single-day attendance records: for Tuesday, the first and second Thursdays, and the last Sunday. The fair enjoyed a stretch of sunny, warm weather in the middle of last week, but also struggled with cooler and rainy weather on both weekends.
Frank Zaitshik – Raleigh, NC Oct 2009 Wade Shows was founded in 1912 by Lee Wade. The show played small events in and around Detroit, Michigan. For 93 years, Wade Shows has been the leader in bringing affordable family entertainment to the people of Michigan and as the company has grown carnival fans throughout the country. For the past 25 years, Wade Shows has been under the ownership and direction of Frank Zaitshik. Frank has taken the company from a small, Michigan based show to a truly national organization with offices in both Michigan and Florida. Frank’s style of personal management, team building and continuous improvement is the guiding force to the phenomenal success of the show. ![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=b6272a82-63aa-4141-8385-018c84a288ca) Arkansas State Fair 2007 Midway provided by Deggeller Attractions, Stuart FL. Over 75 Rides and Attractions. This is the midway of the Branch County Fair, in Coldwater, Michigan, located on Sprague Street. The Branch County fair is the 24th carnival of the Thrillseeker 2009 Carnival Series. Johnny Sands, who is quite a character, is the promoter for the West Alabma State Fair, winding down tonight in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Geren Rides was the midway provider.
Sands, a native of Cherokee, N.C., and Nashville and a stunt man who has also trained stunt men, has worked such places as the Appalachian Fair in Gray, Tenn.; the Philadelphia Fair, with Reithoffer Shows; events with Pat Shelby in Lexington, Ky.; L.I. Thomas Shows; Royal American Shows; Ghost Town in Rocky Glen, in Moosic, Pa., St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, and movies with Peter Fonda, including "Easy Rider," and Elvis Presley’s “Roustabout” (thats where the song Carny Town came from); and TV shows such as "Wild Wild West" and "Incredible Hulk." Sands said he is an active member of the International Independent Showmen’s Association and is looking forward to the trade show in Gibtown. He rode the Wall of Death with L.I. Thomas, Royal American "and Georgia Boy (the late James H. Drew of the James H. Drew Exposition). He told Tom Powell, formerly of AB Magazine, a while back; I’ve offered to work for the son (Jimmy), and hope to do so some time. "I set up in front of the office of fair manager Richard Shadden (in Gray, Tenn.), in a casket for all nine days. Richard has always been a big help to me, especially when he was president of the Tennessee Association of Fairs. I also stayed in a casket underwater to help raise funds for St. Jude’s Hospital. I was submerged in 6,000 pounds of water and couldn’t eat, drink or go to the bathroom. The key is to keep the water real cold. That was a survival test. Sands and his wife, Gale, have two daughters. Tonya and Tyra. Tyra is a beauty contest winner who is going to school to be a doctor. "St. Jude’s took care of Tyra, who was seriously ill, and cured her. That’s why I love them so much,” he told Powell.
We caught up with him in front of the Geren Rides office and were pleased that he would grant us time for a short interview which is below. We have also included a few pictures of him which you can see and also enjoy his music on his “myspace” page at: http://www.myspace.com/johnnysands ![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=2e13a011-b037-4431-906a-54f5981bd4c3)
James E. Strates Shows, a Carnival/Midway that moves the equipment from site to site on railroad cars. This is the carnival midway of the 2009 Dearborn Homecoming. It took place at Ford Field Park, on Monroe Street between Cherry Hill and Michigan Avenue. |
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