Carnival & Fair News

  Despite conflicting messages from Department of Homeland Security Legislative Affairs, the Seasonal Employment Alliance can confirm that the H-2B cap for the second half of the year was met on Wednesday, March 5th. This means it has been 14 days since the cap was met and yet, there had been no announcement on when companies can file for supplemental visas.  When was the cap met?Despite conflicting messages from DHS Legislative Affairs, we can confirm that the cap was met on Wednesday, March 5th.What is the typical amount of time between when the cap is met and when the announcement is made? Usually 2-3 days. In this instance, it has been 14 days since the cap was met and there still has yet to be an announcement. Why hasn't there been an announcement? The Seasonal Employment Alliance believes there are a few political appointees who are trying to either cancel or reduce the number of supplemental visas allocated for April 1 and May 15. By the end of last week, SEA was ...   [read more]

  Amusement industry veteran, Mark Cox, passed away on March 19, 2025 at the age of 64.In his early life, he grew up in Missouri experiencing farm life where he shared so many fond memories with his siblings and uncle Gordon. His home life wasn’t storybook, he came from a broken home that lacked love. He rose from adversity and vowed to one day be a better man when he had his own family. He kept his word to his family he would later have with Stephanie. He was a devoted father and husband, working countless hours and overtime to give them the life he never had. No matter how many hours he worked he always came home with a smile and love spending quality time with his family boating on weekends. He would always say that his wife and kids happiness made him happy and family is all you have in this world. He was the true epitome of everything a father, husband, brother, uncle, and grandfather should be, a real poster child. Nobody loved more deeply and selflessly than Mark, who was ...   [read more]

  It is with great sadness to report the passing of Terry Swyear, co-owner of southern Illinois based Swyear Amusements.  Mr. Swyear passed peacefully after battling cancer and other issues.   Our thoughts and prayers are with the Swyear Family and their friends. Arrangements will be held as follows: Monday, March 17, 20254:00-7:00 visitationHeil-Schuesser & Sinn Funeral Home101 S. Jackson St. New Athens, IL 62264(618) 475-2151 In lieu of flowers donations appreciated: Terry Swyear Memorial Scholarship 2025SLA-St. Louis P.O.  Box 345 Hazelwood, MO 63042 Freeburg Masonic Lodge205 W. High St  Feeburg, IL 62243 AINAD Shriners. 608 St. Louis Ave East St. Louis, IL 62201   [read more]