Along-time exhibitor at the February 2026 Gibtown Extravaganza, Craftsmen Industries showcased its third custom Schantz trailer built for Snyder's Attractions, a 25-foot Schantz Millennium Funnel Cake trailer. The company also displayed a 21-foot Chester Built Fry Trailer for Tracy's Concessions.

Schantz had a strong year in 2025, producing custom-built trailers for both long-standing and new customers. Recent clients include Midwest Rides, Lee's Concessions / Five Star Amusements, Alan McKinney, Ormic Concessions, Dreamcatcher Cafe, Stephenson's Family Concessions, and Miller Family Foods. Alicia's Mexican Kitchen and Concessions Unlimited each added two Schantz trailers, while All The Good Names Are Taken and Lujan Concessions expanded their fleets with additional Chester Built trailers.



In addition to its Schantz and Chester trailers, the company showcased a new product at Gibtown: A nursing and baby care unit. The custom 8-by-10-foot unit is designed to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable childcare environment on the midway.

“It's a great way to encourage guests to stay longer while keeping both mothers and babies comfortable,” says Jason Miller, sales and marketing representative for Schantz Manufacturing. “Five Star and Midwest Rides are already purchasing them.”



Schantz Manufacturing has been part of The Craftsmen Company for eight years and designs, engineers, and builds more concession trailers than any other manufacturer in the industry. The company has introduced several industry-first features, including patented retractable wheels, high-capacity air conditioning systems, and roof-mounted ice makers.

In 2021, Schantz acquired the Chester Built Trailers brand, giving customers a lower-cost alternative while maintaining quality standards.

Miller notes that Schantz is especially well known for its Drop to the Ground System, which lowers trailers from 48 inches to 36 inches above ground through the use of retractable wheels. Developed by company founder Socrates Schantz, the system allows operators to interact with customers at eye level.

“Customers can see inside the trailer, watch food being prepared, and place orders at eye level, similar to a brick-and-mortar operation,” Miller explains. “The more interaction you create with customers, the more welcoming the concession experience becomes.”

While similar systems are now used by other manufacturers, Schantz was the first to implement the technology and currently holds 14 patents, including this one.
No major changes are planned for Schantz concession trailers this year, although the company continues to refine its Millennium Trailer model, first introduced in 2011. One recent upgrade replaced the traditional back porch, previously used for soda storage and hydraulics, with a rear closet that houses those components instead. The change results in a cleaner and more streamlined appearance.

Schantz has also increased its focus on digital signage and LED screens. In the fair and festival industry, visibility is critical, and LED displays provide brighter visuals and continuous motion.



“We've built trailers with large LED marquee screens,” Miller says. “Instead of traditional cresting, a sign can flip up to advertise corn dogs or fries. Strong photos and video make a trailer more engaging and inviting.”

Digital screens allow for dynamic menus that offer greater flexibility than static graphics and can be updated in real time. They also help concessionaires stand out in competitive midway environments.

From high-impact LED displays to the newly designed baby changing and nursing station, Schantz continues to expand its product offerings.

The company is also developing new carnival games, including a clamshell basketball game and a Break a Bottle clamshell trailer.

With more than 70 years in business, Schantz Manufacturing remains committed to quality and innovation. “Our motto has always been, ‘Schantz knows what makes you money,'” Miller says. “We stand behind our consistency and craftsmanship, and the support of our customers is why we have remained successful for so long.”