I am also not "with-it" but do work for and with shows every week since 1981. After several years after college working for newspapers and magazines, I answered a blind ad in a newspaper and ended up working in sales for National Ticket for 7 years (MD to SC was my territory) then went to work for AB for 13 years first in the West Coast office and then Nashville, then to Skeeball for a year, then went out on my own in 2002 as an independent rep for two magazines, Venues Today & Amusement Today, and doing artwork for parks, shows and fairs.
Plus my first boyfriend in high school was a volunteer fireman so I worked the Cake Wheel at the annual firemens carnival for several years and really enjoyed it. And was/am still fascinated watching them tear down the rides.
My 17 year old nephew is now a volunteer fireman and he works the food stands at his carnival in PA each year too.