New York Issues Reopening Plans that Specifically Include Carnivals
April 9th marked the day amusement parks would be allowed to open in New York. In interim guidance issued that day however, temporary amusements parks, or carnivals, were specifically ... [read more]
After Canceling in 2020, Okeechobee County Fair comes roaring back in 2021
The 2021 Okeechobee County Fair Board aimed to bring “Buckets of Fun in 2021” to their community. Linda Syfrett, President and founder of the fair, feels that their mission was ... [read more]
IISA Announces Dates for 2022 Gibtown Trade Show & Extravaganza
The International Independent Showmen's Association (IISA) announced today the dates for the 2022 Gibtown Trade Show and Extravaganza will be February 15-18, 2022.The dates are one week later ... [read more]
Kastl Amusements Sees a Light at the End of the Pandemic Tunnel
Kastl Amusements, with a route primarily in Southern California, has found the pandemic shut- downs are still very much in place. But they do see a light at the end of the tunnel.“We're very ... [read more]
Florida Strawberry Festival Deemed a Success: Midway Revenue Breaks All Time Record
Paul Davis, President of the Florida Strawberry Festival, is pleased to announce the success of the 2021 edition of the highly-anticipated event, held March 4th-14th. Davis and the rest of the ... [read more]
Carnivals Get Creative While Waiting for California to Reopen
OC Fair to run in-person fair, July 15 - August 16
Davey Helm of Helm & Sons Amusements – along with every other California-based carnival company – has marked April 30 on his calendar. That's the date for the expected reopening of ... [read more]
N.J. Governor Greenlights 24-Day State Fair Meadowlands
Fair to run June 18 - July 11, 2021
On March 11, Al Dorso of State Fair Event Management was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. That's when he was notified that New Jersey governor Phil Murphy approved State Fair ... [read more]
Illinois Relaxes Restrictions to allow Carnivals, Fairs, Festivals and Amusement Parks to Open
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced a new phase for the state's mitigation plan on Thursday, a new "Bridge Phase" between Phases 4 and 5, that positively impacts events. Illinois is ... [read more]
Reopening Fairgrounds: The Rocky Return of Non-Fair Events
Non-Fair events and venue rentals are growing and have become an essential revenue steam for most fairs. The pandemic closed down both fairs and non-fair events alike in 2020, but as the rollback of ... [read more]
Sherrie Calhoun returns to Amusement Industry with New Insurance Carrier
Sherrie Calhoun, a veteran of the carnival insurance industry for over 40 years, is back in the business with a brand new company after a two-year hiatus. “I’ve been out ... [read more]
