Hey Everyone, we haven't done this in a while and its of course just for fun, but thought if you wanted to layout your perfect show (if you had the money and wanted to own one). Now one thing special I would like you to think about is labor since we have had some recent conversations about the topic and of course this is considering the Covid 19 gone and business as usual.
For me, if I had the money (and some experienced folks working w/me) here is mine:
16 Nittany Wheel
Rock O Plane
Flying Coaster
Roll O Plane
Loop O Plane
Scrambler
Tilt (or Chance Twister)
Paratrooper
Round UP
Watkins Swinger
Cobra
Tempest
Scat
Lampkin ground mtn scooter (w/banjo lights)
Spider
Tip Top
Kiddies
3' MGR
3 Umbrellas (boats, motorcycle, combo)
AH F-80/Helicopters/Beez
Slide
Bulgy the Whale
Jolly Caterpiller
Wet Boat
Turn Tike
Auto Bahn
Go Gator
Castle Mania
K. Himi
Wisdom Clown Around
Kiddie swings/F. Wheel
Pony Carts
Tubs
Train
Backend: Ghost Train, Witches Castle, Thriller, Alpine Slide, 2 story Hollingsworth, and glass house.
Shows: Motordrome, 10in1, a couple of single O's, arcade, and at least one free act.
4 plants with railroad light towers, 10 zip up light towers, one WW2 searchlight (if able to find one), art deco front gate, benches, trash cans and most important climate controlled very clean restrooms to "up" the customer experience.
Would have most of those kiddies rides ground mtn to rack as many in one load. All rolling stock painted up with traditional carnival colors but all would be in great DOT shape so no problems on road.
Competitive wage for employees with 401k, medical and year end bonus. Nice bunk houses (not junk) and would reach out to HS/College students (over 18) for summer travel with some type of program in conjunction with schools for on job training or life skills that can be used later. Would be clear about the hard work and hours, but find a way to make it rewarding not just with money, but other perks.
Additional: would stay regional (south), playing short jumps and trying to take the fun summer carnival back to the small town. Would like to have a fair route of about 8-9 fairs and if I had the money help the small town fair grow, or even some that have gone down (or even closed) rebuild based on the town's growth rate and current situation.
If the fair route and maybe a few summer spots permitted, have a Sky Wheel, Diver, and at least one music ride to use.
Of course all this is wishful thinking and does not take in account insurance, taxes, transportation costs and such.
But what have you?