Carnival & Fair News

  Timothy Nelson, 67, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025 with family by his side after a vigorous battle with cancer. He was born February 11, 1958 in Aurora, IL. To Arthur and Elaine Nelson.Tim worked for Chicago based Windy City Amusements as an office manager for the last 45 years, working primarily on the shows second unit, along side Mark Salerno and his family.Tim lived a full life packed with love, adventure, and mischief. There was nothing in this world that he loved more than children. He dedicated his life to creating memories for others while working on a carnival midway for 50+ years. Tim valued honesty, loyalty, freedom, hard work and his sobriety (13 years). Tim enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears football games, NASCAR races, and mob and western movies. He loved listening to music, motorcycles, watching TV, eating good food, being on a packed midway, and spending time with his grandchildren and family.Tim is survived by his sister Martha ...   [read more]

  James Godfrey McBride, Sr., 83 of Eden, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at his home.A funeral service was held at 11am Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel in Eden.  James Godfrey McBride, Sr., affectionately known as Jimmy, was born on February 26, 1942, in Rockingham County, North Carolina, to the late James Monroe McBride and Lorene Washburn McBride. He attended Morehead High School and later became a member of Charity Baptist Church in Eden.Best known around his hometown of Eden for his delicious candy apples, Jimmy was a proud past owner and lifetime employee of McBride’s Concessions, dedicating over 70 years to the carnival industry. His work in the carnival business was more than just a career—it was a passion that connected him with people across the country, making lifelong friends along the way.Jimmy cherished the time spent in the business, especially the memories made with his family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. ...   [read more]

  David Edward Griffith (1944–2025) David Edward Griffith passed away peacefully at 5:15 a.m. on May 16, 2025.David began his career working for several traveling carnivals before saving enough to purchase his own ride and operate independently. In the 1980s and 1990s, he partnered with companies in Colombia and Mexico, helping manage and operate multiple amusement parks in both advisory and leadership roles. He later expanded into brokering rides throughout South America, offering insight and experience that helped shape the amusement industry across the region.He played a pivotal role in the development and sale of the Wacky Worm and other Fajume amusement rides, serving as the company's U.S. representative for many years. In 2010, David helped found CMD LEDs alongside his son, Chad, carrying forward the same principles and steady guidance that defined his career. His knowledge, values, and presence remain deeply woven into CMD's identity. Memorial Service Saturday, June 14 ...   [read more]