Fair Advantage: Industry Veteran Offering Customized Event Solutions
Hands on is one way to describe the approach of Fair Advantage, a fair consultancy firm founded by Rick Ferenette this year, but it is not the company's only attribute distinguishing it from similar ... [read more]
STRONG REBOUND & ATTENDANCE LEAP FOR LOUISIANA
The The State Fair of Louisiana was the biggest comeback story for any North American fair last year: a dry fair followed an event that set the kind of record all fairs fear: nine out of 15 days of ... [read more]
Bates Amusements to cease operation after 2017 season
It was announced during the Ohio Fair Managers meetings on Thursday that Geary Bates' Bates Amusement Company would cease operation after its 2017 season. It is rumored that Geary's brother, ... [read more]
Dreamland Amusements looks forward to the start of the 2017 season
Show to book 20 rides at the Florida State Fair
Dreamland Amusements has a busy January on tap. At a time when many mid-size carnivals are off the road refurbishing rides and booking routes, the Long Island, N.Y. show has several pieces operating ... [read more]
Government Insider to Lead L.A. County Fair
Miguel A. Santana, an administration official in both the county, and more recently, City of Los Angeles has been named President and CEO Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Fair Association ... [read more]
Increased Attendance & Spending at Utah State Fair
Mighty Thomas Carnival beats all-time midway record
The biggest story about this year's Utah State Fair may be next year. Coinciding with opening day of the fair was a groundbreaking ceremony for the Days of '47, a 10,000-seat rodeo arena at the State ... [read more]
N.C. State Fair Succeeds in Hurricane's Wake
Powers features new 33m Giant wheel
The good news was that Hurricane Matthew would depart before opening day of the North Carolina State Fair. The bad news was the storm badly interfered with fair preparation, but the long term impact ... [read more]
Numerous Upgrades Push Mississippi State Fair into Record Numbers
A record setting attendance is not a bad for his second fair as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Fair Commission, but since Rick Reno took that position he implemented several changes ... [read more]
Longer Means Better for Washington State Fair
Funtastic Shows features a "Three Wheel Midway"
Longer and more days turned out to be better for the Washington State Fair. The 2016 edition of this Northwest event expanded by from 17 days straight to 21 days over a 24 day period, going dark on ... [read more]
California Carnival Company Grows Along With Its Fairs
The California Carnival Company is growing and so are the fairs it services. Within the last 3-5 years, this upstart firm expanded its ride arsenal and staff, is in the process of upgrading its ... [read more]
Father John Valkuskus, Jr. and Patty Sullivan were inducted into the Showmen's League of America Hall of Honor
The President and CEO of the historic Eli Bridge Company of Jacksonville, Illinois, Patty Sullivan builds ferris wheels and serves the industry. She has been a board member of the Outdoor Amusement ... [read more]
Richard Repp Passes
Richard "Dick" Repp 83, of Avon, IL passed away Monday December 19, 2016, 2:52 a.m. at OSF St. Frances Medical Center Peoria, IL. He was born Saturday December 16, 1933 in Avon, IL the son of ... [read more]
Top-50 Fairs: Enhancing the Basics Strengthened Best Fairs in 2016
Everything is bigger in Texas and in 2016 that familiar Lone Star state boast could easily be applied to fairs. The top three fairs in North America were all Texas events with the Houston Livestock ... [read more]
Buy one Carnival Calendar, SAVE 40% on a second!
Buy one, save 40% on a second 2017 Carnival Calendar! This offer is available for a limited time, and only a small number of calendars remain in inventory! Enter code SAVE40 at checkout ... [read more]
Virginia Comes Back Strong After 2015 Rain Out
Deggeller Attractions celebrates over 40 years at the State Fair of VA
Admittedly, the 2016 State Fair of Virginal could not have been worse than the previous year. Hurricane Joaquin resulted in a state of emergency being declared in the commonwealth, cancelling the ... [read more]
Reithoffer, despite regulatory bumps has good season
SHELBY, N.C. --- Pat Reithoffer is on a rant. He's talking politics, and like most carnival owners, it's his opinion that government regulation is slowly killing the carnival industry.Trucking ... [read more]
130th State Fair of Texas Shatters Multiple Records
The State Fair of Texas extended winning streak to rack up another record year. In fact, fair organizers have declared 2016 the most successful fair in its 130-Year History; 2,408,032 attended this ... [read more]
Wayne "Jake" Inners passes
Wayne E. "Jake" Inners, CEO of Majestic Midways, passed away on December 10, 2016. "I am proud to say he created a culture within our family and company. Giving to those who couldn't give ... [read more]
Frank Zaitshik: My Heart is Heavy...
Reflecting on the passing of Jerry "Freebird" Carson and Gary Denton
On Thursday, within a couple of hours we lost two real carnival people. They were both the kind of people you think of when you consider the best in our business. They don't have to be ... [read more]
Picture Perfect Tulsa State Fair Introduces New Midway
Fairgoers coming to the 2016 Tulsa State Fair saw something they had not seen in more four decades - a new midway. Earlier this year it was announced that the Tulsa State Fair had signed a contract ... [read more]
Amusements of America reflects on Hurricane Matthew
Show purchases two KMG Speed Rides and a Kolmax Dumbo
CONCORD, N.C. --- Morris Vivona sits in his golf cart overlooking a slow Thursday night on the midway at the Queen City Fair. At age 96, the co-owner of Amusements of America and the industry's ... [read more]
South Carolina State Fair Draws Visitors with New Promotions
This year, the South Carolina State Fair celebrated its 147th year. Assistant Fair Manager Nancy Smith says that the 2016 fair was "one of the best we've ever had." A self-proclaimed "riding and ... [read more]
2016 IAFE Trade Show Wednesday Highlights
Reithoffer Shows signs South Plains Fair
The final day of the IAFE Convention and trade show at the Paris in Las Vegas ended with a sold out trade show for the third consecutive year. The organization also landed a new beer sponsor in ... [read more]
IAFE / SLA Trade Show: Day 3 Highlights
Zamperla sells four rides at SLA show
The second day of the IAFE convention and trade show was also the closing day of the SLA Exhibitor's lounge. The weather in Las Vegas was cool but clear and attendees were out in large numbers ... [read more]
2016 IAFE / SLA Trade Shows kick off in Las Vegas
The 126th IAFE Convention and Trade Show kicked off in Las Vegas this week as we outlined in our preview issue published yesterday. The convention welcomes over 4,00 attendees from 400 ... [read more]
IAFE Prepares Revolutionary Convention & Trade Show
The U.S. just completed an often bitter and constantly controversial election - and the controversies show no sign of abating any time soon - but to understate the obvious: change is in the ... [read more]
Topsfield Fair: Record Setting Pumpkin & Bicentennial Build-Up Eases Rain Pain
An oversized gourd topped the news cycle for the 2016 Topsfield Fair. One of the last of the Northeast fairs of the season, this Massachusetts event is the longest continually held fair in the ... [read more]
Source: NAME signs Arkansas State Fair
Multiple sources are confirming that North American Midway Entertainment signed the Arkansas State Fair. The state fair midway was previously provided by Deggeller Attractions for the past 20 ... [read more]
IAAPA Expo 2016: Friday Highlights
Rides 4-U; Galaxy Amusement Sales; New Rides Europe; & Kolmax updates
The 2016 edition of the IAAPA Attractions Expo ended on Friday, attracting a record breaking 35,100 professionals from the amusement industry. Of the 35,100 attendees, 22,600 were recorded as ... [read more]
IAAPA Expo - Thursday Highlights
E-Works makes a splash in the LED market; KMG sells two Speeds to AOA
On Thursday, the IAAPA expo hall opened to large crowds. Historically, Thursday is the most trafficked day of the event, and the early crowds indicated that 2016 was no different. ... [read more]
IAAPA Expo - Wednesday Highlights
Wisdom to build Frog Hopper; Ital International debuts new Giant Wheel
The IAAPA expo opened Wednesday to moderate crowds; But, by the middle of the afternoon, the trade show floor was packed with attendees from a multitude of industries including: amusement parks, ... [read more]
2016 IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO KICKS OFF WITH LARGEST SHOW FLOOR IN HISTORY
Orlando - The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) kicked off its 98th Attractions Expo with the largest trade show floor in its history Tuesday. The Expo, which ... [read more]
John Peco Named the Canadian National Exhibition Association's Chief Officer, Business Development & Innovation
Toronto, Ontario ... John Peco has been appointed the Canadian National Exhibition Association's Chief Officer, Innovation and Business Development, the CNEA announced today."This is a new position, ... [read more]
2016 Georgia National Fair: One for the Record Books
The 2016 Georgia National Fair had a record-breaking year. This year, 536,840 people attended the fair: about a 25,000 person increase from the 2015 fair. Additionally, the Georgia ... [read more]
Tennessee Valley Fair Weathers Heat Wave, Rain Storm & Bad Pre-Fair Publicity
Heat and rain hurt many fairs this year, but the Tennessee Valley Fair had an additional obstacle to overcome: bad publicity from other Tennessee fairs. The negative press had nothing to do with ... [read more]
Wade Shows Midway receives 97% Approval Rating from New York State
New York State Governor Cuomo held a press conference announcing the results of phase one of a $50 million renovation to The New York State Fairgrounds. During the press conference, she announced ... [read more]
Five Daily Attendance Records for The Big E's Centennial Celebration
The Eastern States Exposition - affection ally known as the Big E - had an astounding 2016 fair. Attendance was up only 5 percent - and four severely rainy days negatively impacted outcomes - but ... [read more]
Oklahoma State Fair Survives Storms, Heat & Soft Economy with a Value-added Package
Hot weather and thunder and lightening storms on key days, plus a downturn in the local economy hurt the 2016 Oklahoma State Fair, which was coming off a strong 2015. When it wasn't raining - ... [read more]
For Second Year in a Row, Big Fresno Passes Major Milestone
The Big Fresno Fair has been on a roll. For only the second time in its 133-year history the fair broke the 600,000 mark for this 12-day event. When was the first time the milestone was ... [read more]
NAME Operation Produces 7% Ride Gross Increase in Tulsa
Blomsness prepares for retirement
COLUMBIA, S.C. --- North American Midway Entertainment, already one of the biggest operations in the carnival industry, has purchased a Zyklon-style roller coaster for the 2017 season. The new ... [read more]
New GM Helps Kansas State Fair Reach Third Best Attendance
Midway safety a big concern following Schlitterbahn water slide accident
A management transition followed last year's Kansas State Fair and rainy weather plagued a few days of the 2016 edition of this 104-year-old event. But a new advertising slogan, improved ... [read more]
GREAT ALLENTOWN FAIR GATE ADMISSION UP, GRANDSTAND DOWN
This year, the Great Allentown Fair saw a 4% increase in fair admission despite a drop in grandstand traffic. In 2015, 398,000 people came to the fair and in 2016, 394,000 attended. The reason for ... [read more]
Independent Midway, Headline Entertainment and Pokemon Promotions Boost Ventura County Fair Attendance
The Ventura County Fair saw an increase of 4.5 percent in attendance this year, reaching 332,262, a boost resulting from innovative promotions, a commitment to live entertainment and an effective ... [read more]
John Owens passes
It is with great regret that we announce the passing of John Owens. John spent much of his life working in the fair industry, most recently serving as the acting general manager of the Volusia ... [read more]
** UPDATED** CNE Expands Demographic With New Marketing and Unisex Washroom Publicity
Two days of rain and several humid days might have a negative impact on most fairs, but the 18-day Canadian National Exhibition recorded 1.54 million attendees, slightly behind last year, ... [read more]
Paid Admission Increases for Colorado State Fair
Despite a drop in attendance, the Colorado State Fair had a successful year. A combination of popular entertainers, delicious food, educational exhibits, and a great midway kept customers happy and ... [read more]
Full Fair Feel: New Mexico State Fair Sees 8 Percent Attendance Jump
New Mexico has a population of about two million. Nearly 500,000 attended this year's New Mexico State Fair, a booming, robust event that saw an 8 percent attendance increase, the sophomore year for ... [read more]
Overcoming Heat & Volatile Farm Economy, Missouri State Fair Continues Upward Trend
In spite of some high heat - not exactly uncommon late summer weather in this part of the U.S. - the Missouri State Fair saw an attendance increase of about 4,000, reaching 356,000, with three record ... [read more]
A Tennessee Tradition: Rain Hurts Attendance, but Family Focus Succeeds
Attendance and spending may have dipped due to rain, but this was not considered a setback for the Tennessee State Fair. Based in Nashville, the fair has been on a steady growth path since 2010, when ... [read more]
Powers & Thomas Midway Entertainment Reports 2016 Season as a 100% Improvement over 2015
SALISBURY, N.C. -- Powers & Thomas Midway Entertainment officials were all smiles after signing a five-year contract at the Rowan County Fair. Salisbury is essentially a bedroom community of ... [read more]
New Ticketing & Kiddieland Highlight Kentucky State Fair
A sold-out, high-profile concert by Reba McEntire and new kiddieland layout highlighted a robust Kentucky State Fair. But the real break-through is was a new ticket scanning system, fully automating ... [read more]
2016 Dutchess County Fair: Attendance Down, Midway Spending Up
The Dutchess County Fair in the Hudson Valley section of New York State had an attendance dip of about 8 percent, yet spending, especially midway revenue, increased by 7 percent. Even per-capita ... [read more]
The Great Minnesota Get Together Honors Prince & Breaks Attendance Record
Optimum weather and an 8.5 percent increase in attendance might be enough for any fair, but the Minnesota State Fair even did that achievement one better. Minnesota's 2016 Great Get Together ... [read more]
Gold Star Amusement's Richard Hanson passes
It is with great sadness to report the passing of Richard Hanson. Richard was a lifelong friend of the Featherston family and served as a manager at Gold Star Amusements. Funeral ... [read more]
Nebraska State Fair Achieves Record Year at New Grand Island Location
The Nebraska State Fair moved to its new location in Grand Island in 2010. The 2016 State Fair broke the attendance record at the Grand Island location with 361,107 people; a 2% increase from last ... [read more]
Despite Challenges, 2016 Wisconsin State Fair Sees 4th year of Attendance Exceeding One Million
The Wisconsin State Fair confronted two significant challenges this year - an internal scandal made public three months before the fair and a violent, near city-wide protest during the final weekend ... [read more]
New Carnival, Attendance Increase for 2016 Oregon State Fair
The Oregon State Fair attendance increased by ten percent in 2016. Manager Don Hillman says the fair had 295,600 pure, unique visits. In the past three years, the fair has drawn 81,000 extra people ... [read more]
Top 15 Grossing Games at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair
The total game gross at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair set a record at over $3,259,566.99 in gross receipts, an increase of $377,792.27 (13%) over 2015. Like rides, all games on the Mighty ... [read more]
Top 15 Rides at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair achieved a record ride gross during its 2016 run with over $4,084,481.41 in ride receipts, an increase of $136,548.30 (3.5%) over 2015.The top 15 grossing attractions on the ... [read more]
Independent Ride Owner Mike Demas takes delivery of new KMG Konga in time for Dallas
ST. PAUL, Minn. --- Mike Demas is widely recognized as one of the best independent ride operators in the carnival industry. As proof, Demas has been a mainstay at the Minnesota State Fair for many ... [read more]
Change Pays Off: New York State Fair Attendance Jumps 23 Percent
Wade Shows midway surpasses $3 million in ride revenue
Amazing what a new outlook and well-needed government support - not mention optimum Summer weather - can do. Many fairs have had an attendance increase for 2016 compared to last Summer, but ... [read more]
Ugly Dogs & Community Support: The County Fair With a Globally Viral Contest
Few fairs get the media coverage the Sonoma-Marin Fair received. The Today Show, Good Morning America, Stephen Colbert, USA Today, BBC, Inside Edition, New York Times, the Discovery Channel, German ... [read more]
Iowa State Fair Continues To Build Wow Factor
Fair to host independent midway in 2017
The Iowa State Fair is unique. Few states are as identifiable with America's heartland as the Hawkeye State or as synonymous with American farming as Iowa, whose name seems to instantly invoke lush ... [read more]
Attendance & Revenues Jump for 23-Day Orange County Fair
RCS Midway Gross exceeds $9 million
The 23-day Orange County Fair attracted 1.34 million this year, up 3.3 percent from 2015. A compelling advertising camping, an eclectic entertainment line up and new landscaping were some of ... [read more]
Heat Wave Hurts Garden State Fair
Reithoffer Shows introduces new kiddyland midway
The 76th New Jersey State Fair fell victim to the record heatwave that plagued much of the Northeast in August. The 10-day fair usually averages attendance of 125,000 according to Gary Larson, ... [read more]
Minnesota State Fair's Mighty Midway: Featuring the Best of the Best
Independent midway features 61 rides and 47 games
ST. PAUL, MINN. --- Jim Sinclair is not a carnival owner but he stands as one of the industry's most important operators. Sinclair, deputy manager of the Minnesota State Fair, oversees the ... [read more]
Labor Day Weekend State Fairs Set Record Attendance
Near perfect weather helped three state fairs break record attendance numbers over Labor Day Weekend. The Nebraska State Fair broke its previous record set in 2015 with over 361,107 guests ... [read more]
Innovative Grass Roots Marketing Pushes St. Joe's Fair to Record Year
NAME midway achieves record revenue
Good weather, an intensive grassroots-based marketing campaign, and a few fairground upgrades, not only combined to make the 2016 St. Joseph County 4-H Fair in South Bend, Indiana better than the ... [read more]
Universal Fairs: Proper promotion and quality partners essential to producing a successful event
Mark Lovell's company, Universal Fairs, owns and manages nine different fairs across the country. Lovell cites his dedicated staff and ability to create and promote a good product as the keys to his ... [read more]
Elliott's Amusements sees uptick in Michigan economy
Show adds a Ali Baba for 2016
Elliott's Amusements has experienced a solid but sweltering season playing its home state of Michigan. The carnival, steeped in tradition with ties to Glenn Wade, Red Wood and Jim Elliott, is on the ... [read more]
K-Days: Giving Fairgoers More Value in Tough Economy
Popular industry wisdom seems to be that, while fairs may not be entirely recession proof, they have a resiliency during weaker economic times due to the value of the experience. Fairs are ... [read more]
S&S Amusements patriarch, Steve Swika Jr., passes
It is with great regrets to announce the passing of Steve Swika, Jr., owner of Pennsylvania based S&S Amusements. Steve passed quietly in his sleep on August 19, 2016. Steve is ... [read more]
Calgary Stampede's Community Support Strong Despite Rainy Days & Down Economy
Less than optimum weather and a Canadian economy still stuck in the doldrums negatively impacted the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada. Attendance was more than 1.8 million, but still down by more ... [read more]
Carnival owner, Dan Driskill, finds therapy through his musical talents
Dan Driskill engages in heavy metal at both of his jobs. The full-time carnival owner has a side gig as the drummer in an Iron Maiden tribute band.Maiden Chicago, the name of the group that calls ... [read more]
Ohio State Fair: Excessive Heat Causes Attendance Decline
Amusements of America down 6% over last year
The July heatwave that plagued much of the U.S. did not leave the Ohio State Fair unscathed. But as impacts go, the celebration of everything Buck Eye State was considered successful.An improving ... [read more]
Industry Veteran Gene McQuater Passes
Industry veteran Gene McQuarter passed away at the age of 83. Aside from his life-long accomplishments on the midway, Gene also served as the second Treasurer of the St. Louis Showmen's League ... [read more]
Despite Heat Wave Induced Attendance Dip, Delaware Sponsorships Strengthen Fair
Weather may be a determinant factor when it comes to fair attendance, but attendance does not have to be the determining factor in the success and sustainability of a fair.An excruciating heat wave ... [read more]
El Dorado County Fair: Attendances Reaches 10 Year High
The El Dorado County Fair attracted more than 60,000 and that should be its best fair ever. But as the whims of record keeping often dictate, there's a qualifier. About 10 years ago, the fair ... [read more]
Midway Millennials - Strates Shows
Reed Sheldon: Gen-Y Professionals & The High-Tech Fair Industry
Midway Millennials is an ongoing series profiling the new generation of fair professionalsBefore working for James E. Strates Shows, Reed Sheldon tried several jobs, trying to find himself, a journey ... [read more]
Pokemon, Skyride & Zipper Helps Minimizes Attendance Drop for California State Fair
As nearly every one knows - well everyone under the age of 35 at least knows - Pokemon Go, the mobile app craze launched July 6th. In the best if you can't beat 'em, join 'em spirit - instead ... [read more]
Fearless Flores Thrill Show: Three Generations of Thrilling Entertainment
The Fearless Flores Family Thrill Show specializes in entertaining and delighting audiences throughout North America. Their show has several spectacular acts including six globes of death, the wheel ... [read more]
Minnesota State Fair releases Mighty Midway and Kidway equipment lists
The Minnesota State Fair announced its lineup of rides and games for the 2016 Minnesota State Fair, taking place August 25 - September 5 in St. Paul. Highlighting this years Mighty Midway is ... [read more]
Alameda County Fair: Attendance Jumps with Strong July 4th Finish
Butler Amusements unveils redesigned kiddie land
A few hot days proved not to be a significant impediment to the 2016 Alameda County Fair. The addition of an extra day - mainly due to July 4th falling on a Monday - new promotions, a positive ... [read more]
Lloyd "Mokey" Choate, Sr. passes
Lloyd "Mokey" Choate, Sr., age 73 of Judsonia, died Monday, July 25, 2016 in Searcy. Mokey was the owner of Star Amusements of Arkansas and owned several CP Huntington trains. He was born ... [read more]
Frazier Shows Boosts Events with Social Media Marketing
Show adds Rock Star & Kiddie Carousel for 2017
Bryan Broetsky is driving change through social media in his first full season working for Frazier Shows, his family's carnival. Broetsky, 24, a third generation showman, is the son of Steve and ... [read more]
Midway Millennials - Powers Great American Midways
Dean Corl: Powers Office Manager Wears Many Hats
(Midway Millennials is an ongoing series profiling the new generation of fair professionals)Dean Corl, Office Manager, for Powers Great American Midways may work in the fair industry, but sees a ... [read more]
State Fair Meadowlands: Last Minute Marketing Makes New Jersey Great Again
The State Fair Meadowlands in New Jersey celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016, which prompted Al Dorso, president of State Fair Event Management, to increase his advertising budget by about ... [read more]
Midway Millennials
James Dillman III - owner and operator of the Haunted House dark ride
Midway Millennials is an ongoing series profiling the new generation of fair professionalsJames Dillman III is the 35 year old owner and operator of an independent dark ride called the Haunted House. ... [read more]
Del Mar Fairgoers Go Mad Over Longer Fair
Breaking San Diego County Fair Attendance Records
Saying that Tim Fennell, CEO, The San Diego County Fair, feels excited about the 2016 edition of this California tradition risks understatement. "It was the biggest fair we ever had, the highest ... [read more]
Nevada State Fair: Revived & Well in Carson City
Brass Ring Amusements provides the midway
Founded in 1874, the Nevada State Fair ran for 136 years until 2010, when bankruptcy and organizational malfeasance led its demise. But in 2016, Nevadans finally had their state fair back, albeit at ... [read more]
Tara Pugh passes - updated 7/18
It is with great sadness to report the passing of Tara Pugh. Pugh, Tara Michelle 36, of Lithia, made her final jump to be with the Lord on July 12, 2016.Tara was a devoted wife, mother, ... [read more]
D&J Amusements Resurges into Chicago Carnival Market
The legacy of Spectacular Midways lives on through D&J Amusements, a Greater Chicago carnival co-owned by Dan Driskill and Joe Frankowski. Both men worked for the old Spectacular show owned ... [read more]
Vermelon Amusements Tests Huge Arcade Games On U.S. Midways
European designed and manufactured rides have long been mainstays at American Fairs, but can the same success be achieved for European games? Vermelon Amusements has come to America to find out ... [read more]
Midway Millennials
Mike Bray: Technical Supervisor Fell in Love with Carnival Business
(Midway Millennials is an ongoing series profiling the new generation of fair professionals)When Mike Bray says he fell in love with the fair industry, he doesn't just mean the midway. He means his ... [read more]
Weather Hinders Calaveras County Fair, But Midway Spending Up
California Carnival Company debuts new KMG Tango
The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is probably the most international of all of California's county fairs. Having started in 1893, not only is it one of the longest running county ... [read more]
Midway Millennials - Mr. Ed's Magical Midways
Mariah Weiland-Duchow: Communication & H-2B Issues Critical for Carnival Company
(Midway Millennials is an ongoing series profiling the new generation of fair professionals)At 22, Mariah Weiland-Duchow, a fifth generation carnival worker, has one more semester to go ... [read more]
Strong Close Helps Dampened Dixon May Fair
Butler Amusements reports strong pre-sale numbers
Mother Nature did not play nice this year in California, deciding to have April showers in May, which negatively impacted the Dixon May Fair. Attendance declined about 8 percent - to 52,626 - ... [read more]
Santa Barbara: Attendance Uptick, Pirates & Butler Amusements Extension
The Santa Barbara Fair & Exposition found a counter intuitive result from a change most fairs dread: an increase in the price of the fair admission resulted in an uptick in attendance. It ... [read more]
Citing Unauthorized Raises, Wisconsin State Fair Board Fires Director
In 2015, the Wisconsin State Fair marked the third straight year its attendance exceeded the one million mark, reaching 1,030,881. The continued success of this high profile Midwestern fair has been ... [read more]
New Management Company Brings Local Energy & Expanded Entertainment to Ostrich Festival
The Ostrich Festival in Chandler, Arizona is unique not just for the celebration of the titular bird, but the fact the fair management is essentially outsourced. This year was the ... [read more]
