Carnival & Fair News

John Hanschen, President and principal stockholder of Thomas Carnival, Inc. announces that the company will transfer all company stock to principals of 5 Star Amusements LLC, effective immediately.   Thomas Carnival, Inc. will continue operation with the new stockholders.  

Current management will continue employment.   John Hanschen has agreed to continue service to Thomas Carnival, Inc. as an employee through the 2028 season, at least.    

Thomas Carnival, Inc. was founded in 1928 by Art B. Thomas in Lennox, South Dakota.   Art's nephew, Bernard operated the company from 1951 to 1986.    Bernard incorporated the business, named Thomas Shows, Inc. in 1970.  Later, the corporate name was changed to Thomas Carnival, Inc.   Bernard's sons-in-law, Tom Atkins and John Hanschen, operated the company from 1986 forward.  Tom retired in 2011. 

Thomas Carnival, Inc. currently provides traveling carnival midway entertainment in 11 states each year.  Current company management includes John Hanschen, Brandon and Katherine Petree, Dave Winkey and Vince Conley.     Seasonal employment totals 80 workers, who will continue in their work.   

Five Star Amusements is owned by Timothy and Jessica Bessette.  Jessica is the daughter of Mike and Connie Featherston who own Gold Star Amusements. Tim and Jessica have been operating Gold Star Amusements for quite a few years now.



John Hanschen said:  “We are excited to announce this new arrangement, which is made to perpetuate the service provided by Thomas Carnival for almost 100 years now.    The 2025 season will be my 50th year.   And, the 2027 season will be our 100th consecutive year on the road.  All written contracts currently in place for carnival services at fairs and events will be honored, as promised.  The new stockholders will determine how many additional fairs and events (the ones not currently with contracts) that the company will take on.  Change is necessary.  Operational costs are a tremendous challenge, and we have not always kept pace with the increases.  We have been friends and colleagues with the Goldstar group and the Featherston family going back decades.  I will do everything I can to assist in the transition, and to make our customer service better than ever."



Thomas Carnival is proud of their work and decades of service to agricultural fairs, festivals, shopping centers and over events in the United States and Canada.