Carnival & Fair News

  The annual Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) Jamboree, sponsored by North American Midway Entertainment (NAME), was held at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield, Mass., during The Big E on Tuesday, September 24. The fundraising event brought together key stakeholders in the industry to support the vital initiatives of the carnival's trade association.More than 400 people attended the dinner and auction to support the OABA, including representatives from the beneficiary, NAME and ESE, plus concessionaires and exhibitors currently working the Fair.“I have been running or participating in OABA Jamborees at The Big E for 30 years,” shared Greg Chiecko, president and CEO of the OABA. “It all began as a support mechanism for the former Conklin traveling school and, in the last three years, it has become one of the top two OABA member-run Jamborees. I can't believe how it has grown in recent years. I offer a huge ‘thank you' to The Big E and ...   [read more]

  Timothy Brian Slattery, age 67, of Mason, MI, passed away surrounded by his loving family in his final moments, on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Corewell Healthcare-Lakeland in Saint Joseph, MI. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Tim's Life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Tim and Missi's home. Tim was born in St. Joseph, Michigan on February 20, 1957, the son of John Thomas and Esther Marie (Cueto) Slattery. Tim married Michelle R. Ingalls on November 20, 1982, in Mason, MI. Tim was a Lead Inspector for the Ski and Carnival Division with the State of Michigan retiring in November of 2018, after 30 years. He was an advocate for educating and mentoring his former co-workers and colleagues in the carnival/amusement, and ski industries. He was an avid snowmobiler and snowmobile mechanic. Tim was known for his integrity, wise wisdom, and pride. He was known to be a man of many talents. He was a good man, and faithful husband. As most of you know, ...   [read more]

  The Outdoor Amusement Business Association's goal of 100 members of congress to sign onto the CARE act is within reach. HR 1787 is the labor salvation for our carnival and concessions industry.  We must continue the outreach to our Congressional representatives to gather as much support as possible in the next month.  If you have not made the call yet, please do so today.  If you reached out and your congressmen have not signed on yet, follow up with their office again.  Many members of Congress are visiting fairs this time of year. Find out when they will be attending the event you are at and speak to them about HR 1787. The political breakdown of our co-sponsors is Republicans - 38 and Democrats - 28.  This is a good bi-partisan balance.  Our top 5 states are:  Michigan - 8, Florida - 5, Indiana - 5, New Jersey - 5 and California - 3.  To view the entire list, and to see if your Congressman is a co- sponsor, click here CARE Act/RIDE Act ...   [read more]