Optimistic & Proactive, Illinois Fairs Ready to "Do More in 2024"
Optimistic & Proactive, Illinois Fairs Ready to "Do More in 2024"
No one is better acquainted with weather than fair managers, and that sentiment was tested when a deep-freeze and snowstorm hit the Midwest hard the same weekend as the 2024 convention of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs. With a reported 14-20 inches of snow and wind-chill making the air feel like 20 below freezing, attendance saw a decline of about 10 percent, according to David Hake, the new president of the organization and director of the Washington County Fairgrounds.Still even with the dip, Hake estimated that 100 percent of the organization's 102 member fairs were represented. True to the name of the association, most of the membership are famers and agricultural industry professionals. “When the temps dropped so low, it was understandable that they took care of their livestock than be at the fair convention, ... [read more]
Wisdom Rides of America Addresses Production Delays; Company to Introduce 4 new Rides this Fall
Wisdom Rides of America Addresses Production Delays; Company to Introduce 4 new Rides this Fall
The post-Pandemic years have been tough for manufacturers and suppliers the world over, and Wisdom Rides of America, in the middle of pre-Pandemic expansion into global markets and the amusement park industry, was especially hard hit. While there were plenty of companies placing orders for equipment, fulfilling those orders in a timely manner posed a challenge in terms of both labor shortages and supply chain interruptions, said Jared Davis of Wisdom.“We can get parts pretty easily for 98% of the jobs but its the last 2% that has posed a challenge for us. We wind up having projects on the floor that are just about completed but waiting on that one final item”, he said. Davis said the main culprits were gear boxes, electronics and hydraulics as well as matching issues with parts that have been slightly ... [read more]
Carnival & Fair Buzz
Read Amusement Park Buzz
On Friday, March 8, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the statutory FY24 second half cap has been met. March 7th was the final day petitions were accepted. DHS also announced the filing dates for the supplemental visas:For employers seeking returning workers for the early second half of FY 2024 (April 1 to May 14): USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the additional 19,000 visas made available to returning workers regardless of country of nationality on March 22, 2024. The Seasonal Employment Alliance analysis: It is expected that capped out Group B employers, all of Groups C and D and a portion of Group E to receive their returning workers under this allocation. For employers seeking returning workers for the late second half of FY 2024 (May 15 to Sept. 30): USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the additional 5,000 visas made available to returning workers regardless of country of nationality on April 22, 2024. SEA analysis: Over 15,000 ... [read more]
H-2B Labor Relief Starts with the Carnivals Are Real Entertainment Act (CARE Act H.R. 1787)
Labor relief for the carnival industry begins with contacting your member of congress
Labor shortage is the top challenge faced by the carnival and mobile entertainment industry. For years, many carnivals and food concessionaires have relied on a mix of domestic workers and temporary foreign labor through the H-2B visa program. Due to high demands for H-2B visas and an outdated cap, the last few years have been challenging for those in the industry to obtain workers on time, or, at all, making it extremely difficult for carnivals to plan for their upcoming season. The Outdoor Amusement Business Association and other H-2B advocacy groups have proposed a solution to the problem called the Carnivals Are Real Entertainment Act, otherwise known as the CARE Act (H.R. 1787).
Summary of the CARE Act
The Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act – or the CARE Act – helps this unique and threatened industry address the labor shortage issue by correcting and clarifying existing laws that currently exclude mobile entertainment employers ... [read more]
Jim Frederiksen has done it again! When the International Independent Showmen's Museum needed money to build their building, he donated $1,000,000 in 2010. And now that the museum has decided to expand, he has donated another $1,000,000 to build a 16,800 sq. Ft. addition to the existing 28,000 sq. Ft. Building, located at 6938 Riverview Dr. In Riverview, FL. The building, thanks to his financial support, bears his name.Frederiksen made the announcement at the IISA Club's annual Appreciation Banquet on Jan 30.In addition to his support of the museum, Frederiksen is involved with building the U.S. Army Special Forces Association (Chapter 60) Team House building that just broke ground in January and and plans to be open in Tampa on August 1, 2024. He made a commitment of over $2,000,000 to bring the project to fruition. He also supports his own Shriners club, the New Egypt Temple building in Tampa.He believes in giving back to the community when you can and ... [read more]
Carnival & Fair News Links
Amusement Park News Links
-
Officials reveal new location for East Texas State Fair after city of Tyler ends lease agreement (TX)
3/18/2024 -
Rock County 4-H Fair announces 2024 grandstand lineup (WI)
3/18/2024 -
YMBL host work weekend for South Texas State Fair (TX)
3/18/2024 -
Legislature takes up traffic snarls at the Legislature takes up traffic snarls at the Minnesota State Fair (MN)
3/18/2024 -
2024 New Mexico State Fair Rodeo And Concert Lineup (NM)
3/18/2024 -
Fan Favorite Dropkick Murphys to Ship Up to Syracuse Again this Summer at The Great New York State Fair (NY)
3/15/2024 -
MS AG Commissioner thinks these proposed bills threaten Dixie National Rodeo. (MS)
3/15/2024 -
New Mexico State Fair announces 2024 concert lineup (NM)
3/15/2024 -
Farming and fair communities remember the late F. Grove Miller (MD)
3/15/2024 -
Fair excitement and swine showmanship at the Indian River County Fairgrounds (FL)
3/15/2024 -
County Fair wants vendors, entertainers, exhibitors for Diamond Jubilee (CA)
3/15/2024 -
Space Coast State Spring Fair Opens Friday in Viera at Space Coast Daily Park, Featuring Special $7 Gate Admission (FL)
3/14/2024
Carnival Routes
View Fairs and Events
- North American Midway Entertainment
Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition
3/14/2024 to 4/7/2024 - Miami, FL - Belle City Amusements
Sarasota County Fair
3/14/2024 to 3/24/2024 - Sarasota, FL - Reithoffer Shows
Collier County Fair
3/21/2024 to 3/31/2024 - Naples, FL - Deggeller Attractions
Clay County Fair
4/4/2024 to 4/14/2024 - Green Cove Springs, FL - Wade Shows
Buc Days
5/2/2024 to 5/12/2024 - Corpus Christi, TX - Drew Exposition
The Great Anderson County Fair
5/2/2024 to 5/12/2024 - Anderson, SC
2023 Top 50 Carnivals & Fairs
View All Top 50 Fair Lists
- Houston Livestock Show - Houston, TX
- State Fair of Texas - Dallas, Tx
- Minnesota State Fair - St. Paul, MN
- Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) - Toronto, ON
- San Antonio Livestock Show & Ex. - San Antonio, TX
Upcoming Industry Events
View All Industry Events
-
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2024
November 19th - 22nd
Orlando, FL -
IAFE Expo 2024
December 1st - 4th
Phoenix, AZ