Carnival & Fair News

  Fairs and festivals industry advocate and advisor, Greater Ohio Showmen's Association (GOSA) is celebrating 75 years of impactful leadership in 2025. The non-profit organization, 455 members strong, represents the enterprises of modern midways at fairs and festivals across the State of Ohio. The Ohio Concessionaires Association was established in 1950, changing its name to GOSA in 1953 to serve the growing community of food, rides, and game businesses on the modern midway. As Bill Sterling, GOSA president notes, "we have achieved a significant impact over the years for our members and the industry in Ohio, and nationally too." GOSA spearheaded initiatives creating the Ohio Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Council, and the first Rider Responsibility Law in the United States. Recognizing the value of the Association's leadership, State regulators have awarded GOSA two seats on the Advisory Council. In addition, GOSA is represented on the Ohio ...   [read more]

  It is with great sadness to report the passing of Anthony Salerno, Sr., the founder of Chicago based Windy City Amusements, who passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025 at the age of 94, with his loving family by his side.Anthony (a.k.a. Tony) was born on June 7, 1930, the son of Umberto and Margaret (Scarpelli) Salerno, and raised in Chicago in the area called the patch which is located between Grand, Chicago and Western Ave. He attended Wells High School on Chicago's Near West Side.  At the age of 17, he began working for the carnival his friends' grandfather owned which was his first taste of the amusement industry.Tony met the love of his life, Ruth and they started their family together in Chicago.  While the children were young, he worked for the City of Chicago Forestry Department.As the family grew and the children got a little older, he decided to get back into the amusement business.  He started out with a nickel pitch game at Chicagoland events so that ...   [read more]

  Roberta E. Mathis, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. Born on December 23, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Roberta lived a remarkable life filled with love, adventure, and dedication to her family and community.The daughter of Robert E. Archibald and Phyllis J. Archibald (Jedlicka), Roberta grew up in the Chicago area alongside her brother Edward Archibald. She attended Quincy College, where she met her first husband, Edward Boyd Noerper. Their union marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey together. While stationed in Germany during Edward's military service, they welcomed their first child, Mary. Upon returning to Quincy, Illinois, they had their second child, Ann. at this point both Roberta and Edward earned teaching degrees but chose a different path to support their growing family.Using war bonds gifted by Roberta's father, the couple purchased a small carnival kiddie ride-a decision that would ...   [read more]