Carnival & Fair News

  Kevin Exum's Rides USA was busy visiting with new and familiar customers on opening day of the 2026 IISF Gibtown Trade Show. Rides USA showcased its first one-trailer, two-story Mirror Maze at the show, and it generated significant interest. The Mirror Maze is manufactured by Ride Equipment International in Asia and is exclusively represented by Rides USA.On display at the show was the second Mirror Maze produced by the company, which is being delivered to Andrew Evans of Evans Midland Empire Shows. A third Mirror Maze will soon be delivered to Heart of America Shows.The Mirror Maze features a full LED light show and a vibrant, hand-painted front that can be customized in any theme. A camera security system monitors riders throughout the attraction at all times and helps reduce the number of operators required. The ride includes stainless steel handrails on the lower level, and the steel tubing frame has been powder coated for durability.To simplify leveling, the trailer is equipped ...   [read more]

  Wheelhouse Industries, exhibiting in Gibtown for the first time, is no stranger to the amusement industry. While the company is relatively new to the market, it brings decades of experience and is spearheaded by Jason Helm and Eric Elkaim.Jason Helm spent much of his life working alongside his late father, Dave Helm, co-founder of Helm & Sons Amusements, refurbishing rides for the show. His passion for refurbishing and engineering amusement rides ultimately led to the formation of Wheelhouse Industries.Wheelhouse displayed two attractions at the show, including the company's signature piece, a 45-foot-tall Gondola Wheel designed specifically for rental companies and small to mid-size carnivals. While operating his California-based rental company, Helm recognized the difficulty of maneuvering long semi-trailers into tight event spaces for short-term engagements. As a result, Helm and Elkaim developed a gondola wheel that delivers strong visual impact while remaining light enough to ...   [read more]

  Len Soled's New Jersey-based Rides 4-U is going all in on the 2026 IISF Gibtown Trade Show, featuring a large outdoor display. According to Soled, interest from carnival customers has been strong leading into the event.“A lot of our carnival customers have been calling and asking about new equipment,” Soled said. “The vibe has been upbeat and positive, and we think it will be a strong show.”To help manage transportation costs, several pieces that appeared at IAAPA Expo in Orlando will also be shown in Gibtown. Among them is the new portable Pirate Ship from SBF/Visa.“We sold several park models at IAAPA and are hoping to close deals on portable units that were discussed there,” Soled said.The Pirate 32 model on display, owned by Stewart Amusements, is a high-capacity attraction that seats between 30 and 40 adults per cycle. The ride features a simple drive system and can be assembled or disassembled in approximately three hours.“We've seen ...   [read more]