Carnival & Fair News

Ray Cammack Shows (RCS) has introduced three new rides to its extensive lineup of attractions this year. The most recent addition, a Waltzer flat ride, is arguably the company's most distinctive ride in the U.S. market.

According to RCS vice president Ben Pickett, the Waltzer is a staple of carnivals in the U.K. and Europe. Similar to a Tilt-A-Whirl, its cars revolve and spin freely, creating a strong g-force sensation.

“We've been following developments in the European and Australian markets,” Pickett explains. “After researching the ride, we knew the Waltzer would be a perfect fit here. At this time, there has only been one other brought to the U.S., and that was many years ago in a different version. RCS prides itself on finding unique attractions to introduce to our fans, and this is one.” The ride was built by the U.K.'s Fair Trade Services.



Pickett adds, “We had considered several other rides, and some are still in the works, but the Waltzer was a priority for us moving forward. It's like a Tilt-A-Whirl 2.0.”

The ride features immersive lighting, music, and an enclosed atmosphere. “Compared to the Tilt-A-Whirl, which is a classic U.S. ride, the Waltzer is a natural fit,” Pickett says.

RCS first introduced the ride this summer at the Orange County Fair in Southern California. “It was very well received by the public,” Pickett reports. “Next, it debuted at the Arizona State Fair, where there was a lot of interest and strong marketing support.”

The company named the new Waltzer “Sound Storm,” selected through an internal competition among RCS staff. “It seemed fitting,” Pickett laughs, “with the lights, music, and atmosphere. It was the clear winner.”

The ride includes gondolas that spin on ball bearings, as opposed to a Tilt-A-Whirl with steel wheels riding the outer track. However, the action is smoother, the drive system accelerates faster, and riders can control the gondola spin. “It's a heightened experience, far beyond a Tilt-A-Whirl,” Pickett says.



Additional features include LED neon lighting on the gondolas, a European Hoffman sound system, and an industrial fog machine with twelve moving heads. “The smoke creates the atmosphere we want,” Pickett notes. “All of this together creates an unbelievable sensation.”

The gondola seats are larger and more comfortable than typical Tilt-A-Whirl seating. “It's the business class of Tilt-A-Whirl-style rides,” Pickett asserts.

The ride's color scheme features darker tones that highlight the lighting effects inside the cars, even during the day. Both the interior and exterior are finished in metal-flake red that “really pops,” according to Pickett. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall, or 42 inches if accompanied by an adult, to experience Sound Storm.

“It's a standout ride for us, so unique and completely new. Riders often expect it to be just like a Tilt-A-Whirl, but once they experience the lighting, sound, fog, enclosed atmosphere, and enhanced motion, they leave saying, ‘I didn't expect that,'” Pickett says.

In addition to the Waltzer, RCS also introduced two other attractions this year: the 40-meter Mondial Royal Wheel and the Aviator, a Lamberink swing ride. Each premiered at major events.



“We debuted the Royal Wheel at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March. The Aviator premiered at the Los Angeles County Fair in May, and the Waltzer debuted at the Orange County Fair in August. Throughout the height of our season, we introduced three spectacular new rides,” Pickett explains.

Like the Waltzer, both the Aviator and the Royal Wheel are major thrill rides and significant investments for the company. “We're thrilled with the public response. You always hope these rides will be home runs, but the reception has exceeded even our expectations,” Pickett says.



RCS typically operates from March through October, beginning with the pre-season World Championship BBQ contest in Houston in late February, followed by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March. The Arizona State Fair traditionally closes the season in October.

“We really focus on Texas, Arizona, and California,” Pickett explains. “We start in Houston, then go to the Pima County Fair in Tucson, and move into California where we have contracts with the Los Angeles County Fair and are the largest midway provider at the San Diego County Fair. From there, we head to the Orange County Fair and also provide equipment to the Ventura County Fair, another independent midway. Finally, we return to Arizona for the State Fair. In addition, we send our wheels to major music events, such as Coachella and Stagecoach near Palm Springs. Our Grand XL Wheel has a major presence at those types of festivals.”

RCS books its route by focusing on large venues. “That's what we do best. We operate at six large fairs and a handful of special events with our wheels,” Pickett says. “We travel with 360 loads of equipment. Since space is limited at these events, our philosophy is to invest in larger, high-capacity European rides that stand out. There isn't room to spread out, so we go bigger and higher.”

It's a philosophy that has defined the company since it began in 1961, and one that continues to guide RCS today.