Carnival & Fair News

  WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - North American Midway Entertainment veteran Ed Dame was recognized for his contributions to The Big E and the fair industry with the event's Host of the Day hospitality award on Sept. 29. Dame, NAME's Director of Transportation and Guest Services, has spent 25 years in the outdoor amusement industry and has been with the company since its founding 21 years ago. He has served as a manager for NAME's carnival at The Big E since 2010 and oversees the transportation of rides, concessions and equipment while also leading the company's Guest Services teams. Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy presented the award, which recognizes members of The Big E organization who demonstrate a commitment to customer service and positive interactions with fairgoers. "Ed represents the very best of our team through his enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to creating a great experience for our guests," said NAME Vice President Blake Huston. "This is ...   [read more]

  A major state fair midway opportunity is up for bid for the 2027 season, as the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center (OSFEC) seeks proposals from midway providers for its 400,000-plus-attendance fair and year-round signature events. The Oregon State Fair midway was most recently provided by Rainier Amusements, with Funtastic Shows serving as the fair's midway provider prior to Rainier. OSFEC has issued a Request for Proposals seeking a carnival operator to provide exclusive midway services for the annual Oregon State Fair and the facility's year-round signature events. The initial contract will run for three years beginning January 1, 2027, with an optional two-year renewal based on performance and OSFEC approval. The Oregon State Fair, held annually in Salem, is an 11-day event that attracts more than 400,000 guests. In addition to the State Fair, the selected operator will be expected to provide carnival operations for signature events including the Fourth of July Spectacular, ...   [read more]

  The Minnesota State Fair recognized 12 outstanding commercial exhibitors, concessions, attractions, and food and beverage vendors with its 2026 Best Awards. State Fair CEO Renee Alexander presented the awards during a ceremony at the Summit Stage at the Bazaar. Recipients were selected from nearly 1,000 businesses and attractions participating in this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together. The 2026 winners included the 230-foot-tall America Wheel honoring America250; Big Dog Corndogs; Thornberry Concessions’ Break a Plate; Cowboy Santa; Faithful Contracting; iPierogi; Prime Pacific Entertainment’s Lady Bugs ride; Origami by Kannika; Peachey’s Baking Company; the Starship ride; The Straub Store; and Strawberries ‘N Creme and Loon Lake Iced Tea. Award recipients were chosen based on customer service, staff professionalism, visual presentation, product or service quality, and overall value provided to fairgoers.   [read more]