Title pretty much says it all, what's your favorite show? Either for working (for those of us that are with it) or for visiting (for those of us who aren't) and why?
Thought this would be an easy topic, but as I wrote that first line I got to thinking that it's not quite as obvious as I thought it might be. Maybe easier for the enthusiasts than the rest of us.
For many years Wade Shows was my favorite show. I'm talking about Wade back in the early/mid 80's though. Beautiful medium sized show with a great route. Don't get me wrong now, its STILL a beautiful show and Frankie is one of the few people I genuinely respect and admire in this business. But for me personally it's just too big anymore .... I really think it's lost something. Still an outstanding show though, no doubt about it.
My favorite show that's out of business now is a three way tie I suppose. Goodings Million Dollar Midways because I always made SO MUCH money with them. Only played a few spots a year on that show but knew I'd make bank and they never failed me.
Johnny's United Shows/United Shows because ..... well lol.... well.... because it was a real old school show. Yes, Gregory was a ass and yes it wasn't the prettiest show going but when you were on that show you KNEW you were on a CARNIVAL a real honest to god carnival. No, lol.... I still find it a little hard to swallow that Mr. Gregory died when they say he did. He's most probably gone now I mean, how long has it been? But I'd bet money that he died on some Caribbean beach years after they say he did. I must admit (full disclosure) to REALLY checking out his old L.Q. for a "secret safe" lol. Miss Jane owned it for awhile if I'm not mistaken before it was sold to Harley and went to Canada as a primary living abode. I stayed in it a few times when it was on Mikes property during winters I stayed there. But I digress.
Drago Amusements gets the 3rd spot of my favorites that's no longer with us. Beautiful show, great people and a very good route .... what more could you ask for? I was there for most of their last 3 seasons and still recall my time there very fondly.
Favorite current show? Now, for me this is a bit complicated as the show I was going to name when I wrote the title is PROBABY out of business. No, I haven't called them this year and they were scaling WAY back last season and suitcased in most of their remaining spots. Fiesta Rides Inc is/was their name. A real family owned and operated show with some of the best people I've met in this business. Sadly the kids have no interest at all in it and IF by chance its still a viable concern next season it will surely be its last. So....... my favorite current show? Big A I suppose. While I haven't been on them for a few years I can't believe they've changed all that much. A big show with a small show "feel" to me. Plus the fact that.... well, lol, it's pretty much old school too. ESPECIALLY for a bigger show. You know you're on a Carnival there.
(As an aside, once all the small family owned and run shows are gone our beloved business will have lost a huge part of our ...... soul? ...... identity? .... maybe both. While there is certainly something to be said for the huge traveling amusement parks it was and is the small and medium shows that entertain the majority of carnival goers. Add all those 10/20/50k attendance fairs/festivals together and you're talking major numbers.)
Well, thats mine. A little long winded I must admit but....... whats your's?
Edited by user
Sunday, December 6, 2020 7:03:10 PM
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Reason: Not specified
An end, even with terror, is better than terror without end. F.Neitzsche