Carnival & Fair News

Modern Midways, created in 2006 and owned by Robert Briggs, provides complete carnival midways to fairs, festivals and church events in the Illinois and Chicago area as well as Northwest Indiana during the summer months. In the spring, fall and winter, the company travels south to Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida.

Modern Midways currently owns more than 55 rides and has the ability, if the need arises, to field more equipment for larger venues through partnering with independent ride owners. The company's impressive line-up of equipment and the experience of its staff enable the show to operate virtually year-round.



Some of the current arsenal of rides include a Sky Wheel, a Century Wheel, the Hyper Loop 360, Arctic Blast, Wave Swinger, Bumper Cars, Expo Wheel, Giant Wheel, Dragon Flyer, Zero Gravity, and Puppy Roll. “Our ride selection and great management is what make us stand out from the competition.”



“We currently have 55+ rides and last year we also acquired a new Fabbri Park Giant Wheel as well as a Music Express Himalaya that has been completely reconditioned by Five Star Fabrications and Denny's Electronics,” shares Robert Briggs. “The center scenery plays music videos via five large LED screens that corresponds with the song selection.” Dennis Bartosik has outdone himself once again. He and his company, Denny's Electronics, have touched almost every ride on our Midway.



The show also features 12 food concessions and 20 high-quality games on the Midway. A funnel cake trailer was also added on in 2024, as well as two new clamshell games from Five Star Fabrications and Denny's Electronics. New for the upcoming season is a double-decker line-up water race by Denny's Electronics, a Zamperla Speedway, and Samba Balloon ride. Briggs also says they finalized a new multi trailer spectacular ride for the 2026 season during the IAAPA convention.

Modern Midways maintains two winter quarters, one in South Chicago Heights, IL and the other in Clewiston, Fl on Lake Okeechobee. This enables Modern Midways to keep their equipment in great mechanical and cosmetic shape. Both locations are open year-round, ensuring the highest quality of maintenance for all our equipment.