Lost Revenue, Negative Publicity & Controversial Contracts: Fair Talent Buyers Navigate the Pandemic
Lost Revenue, Negative Publicity & Controversial Contracts: Fair Talent Buyers Navigate the Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic hit all sectors of the fair industry, but the pain felt by fair talent buyers seems especially acute. Even now as partial openings have allowed amusement parks and restaurants to open in many states, the live entertainment industry remains under lockdown.The vast majority of fairs have been cancelled for 2020, dealing a near lethal blow to talent buyers industry-wide. About a Dozen full fairs have been held in some form or another in 2020, but those with entertainment are implementing government mandated capacity rules, operating grandstands at 50 percent capacity – or less – and with all the social distancing requirements that have become commonplace throughout the U.S. Other fairs – notably the Delaware State Fair – have cancelled live entertainment and grandstand acts entirely. In Ohio, ... [read more]
Ozark Empire Fair: Attendance Down, But Per-Cap Spending Up
Ozark Empire Fair: Attendance Down, But Per-Cap Spending Up
Fair Manager: No spike in coronavirus following the fair
Obviously, the few fairs that did run in 2020 cannot be considered typical. That fair managers, staff, fair boards, vendors and communities are able to hold any event is an accomplishment in and of itself. And what makes these fairs unusual – masks, social distancing, sanitizing and other measures – are aspects being closely watched by the fair industry since they may likely be implemented in 2021 in some form or another.The Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield Missouri almost never happened, especially after the cancellation of the Missouri State Fair was announced. But with a good plan, and a committed organization, the Ozark Empire Fair became a reality. “Our board was always determined to open, said Aaron Owen, General Manager, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds & Event Center. “The city ... [read more]
Carnival & Fair Buzz
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It is with great sadness to report the passing of Father John Vakulskas, Jr. Father John passed away Sunday evening at approximately 7pm central time. Born on February 28, 1944, John was known throughout the carnival industry as the "Carnival Priest", serving the outdoor amusement business and showmen since 1969.For the past 10 months, John has been battling cancer and has been in and out of the hospital. Recently, he was re-admitted to the hospital for internal bleeding. During his recovery at the hospital, he shared a room with a patient who had COVID-19. Unfortunately, the virus spread to John and his health deteriorated rapidly. John was a proud supporter of many industry organizations including The Outdoor Amusement Business Association, Midwest Showmen's Association, Miami Showmen's Association, Showmen's League of America (Chicago & St. Louis), Royal Hawaiian Showmen's Association, and was a Lifetime member of Hot ... [read more]
Carnival Warehouse is sad to inform you of the passing of Peter Joseph, owner of Maryland based Jolly Shows. Peter died of complications of Covid-19. He was 54. We will have information on his arrangements coming when they are available. Please keep his family in your prayers. [read more]
Carnival & Fair News Links
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The pandemic hit this group of Americans the hardest
9/28/2020 -
Thousands Enjoy ‘Food, Fun & Flicks’ At The Clay County Fairgrounds (FL)
9/28/2020 -
Georgia State Fair Opens Friday At Atlanta Motor Speedway (GA)
9/28/2020 -
The State Fair Of VA Is Closed, But The Food Trucks Are Opening (VA)
9/28/2020 -
Kern County Fair To Hold Its First Virtual Livestock Auction (CA)
9/25/2020 -
22,000 Visited The Maury County Fair Amid A Pandemic (TN)
9/25/2020 -
‘Excitement Is Huge’ As Creek County Fair Underway Despite COVID-19 (OK)
9/25/2020 -
The Arizona State Fair Is Still Happening — But Just for Drive-Thru Fried Food (AZ)
9/25/2020 -
Once Again, Minnesota State Fair Food Parade Sells Out (MN)
9/25/2020 -
Nebraska State Fair Plans To 'Rock The Lot' (NE)
9/25/2020 -
State Fair Preparing For First Big Tex Fair Food Drive Thru Event (TX)
9/25/2020 -
2,700 Youth Ready to Show Their Livestock at State Fair (TX)
9/25/2020
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Boone County Fair- Boone
7/16/2020 to 7/19/2025 - Boone, IA - North American Midway Entertainment
Eastern States Exposition
9/18/2020 to 10/4/2020 - West Springfield,, MA - C&M Southern Midways
Etowah County Fair
9/22/2020 to 10/26/2020 - Attalla, AL - Butler Amusements
Kern County Fair
9/23/2020 to 10/4/2020 - Bakersfield, CA - Reithoffer Shows
Panhandle-South Plains Fair
9/25/2020 to 10/3/2020 - Lubbock, TX - North American Midway Entertainment
East Texas State Fair
9/25/2020 to 10/4/2020 - Tyler, TX - Independent Midway
State Fair of Texas
9/25/2020 to 10/18/2020 - Dallas, TX - Mighty Thomas Carnival
Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair
9/25/2020 to 10/3/2020 - Fort Smith, AR - Deggeller Attractions
State Fair of Virginia
9/25/2020 to 10/4/2020 - Doswell, VA - Amusements Of America
Bloomsburg Fair
9/25/2020 to 10/3/2020 - Bloomsburg, PA - Butler Amusements
Central Washington State Fair
9/25/2020 to 10/4/2020 - Yakima, WA
2019 Top 50 Carnivals & Fairs
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- Texas State Fair - Dallas, TX
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- Minnesota State Fair - St. Paul, MN
- San Antonio Livestock Show & Ex. - San Antonio, TX
- Eastern States Exposition - Springfield, MA
Upcoming Industry Events
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IAAPA Virtual Conference
November 16th - 18th
Orlando, FL -
IAFE Convention 2020
November 29th - December 2nd
San Antonio, TX -
IISF Gibtown Trade Show 2021
February 16th - 19th
Riverview, FL
