Carnival & Fair News

  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]

  Fairs and festivals industry advocate and advisor, Greater Ohio Showmen's Association (GOSA) is celebrating 75 years of impactful leadership in 2025. The non-profit organization, 455 members strong, represents the enterprises of modern midways at fairs and festivals across the State of Ohio. The Ohio Concessionaires Association was established in 1950, changing its name to GOSA in 1953 to serve the growing community of food, rides, and game businesses on the modern midway. As Bill Sterling, GOSA president notes, "we have achieved a significant impact over the years for our members and the industry in Ohio, and nationally too." GOSA spearheaded initiatives creating the Ohio Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Council, and the first Rider Responsibility Law in the United States. Recognizing the value of the Association's leadership, State regulators have awarded GOSA two seats on the Advisory Council. In addition, GOSA is represented on the Ohio ...   [read more]

  It is with great sadness to report the passing of Anthony Salerno, Sr., the founder of Chicago based Windy City Amusements, who passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025 at the age of 94, with his loving family by his side.Anthony (a.k.a. Tony) was born on June 7, 1930, the son of Umberto and Margaret (Scarpelli) Salerno, and raised in Chicago in the area called the patch which is located between Grand, Chicago and Western Ave. He attended Wells High School on Chicago's Near West Side.  At the age of 17, he began working for the carnival his friends' grandfather owned which was his first taste of the amusement industry.Tony met the love of his life, Ruth and they started their family together in Chicago.  While the children were young, he worked for the City of Chicago Forestry Department.As the family grew and the children got a little older, he decided to get back into the amusement business.  He started out with a nickel pitch game at Chicagoland events so that ...   [read more]