In the April 2008 issue:  

  The IISF Trade Show and Extravaganza is a tradition for showpeople, and the 2008 event was again evidence of that. New rides and products and services geared for the industry were all on display and there was business being written. Evenings are always fun social times in Gibtown!

  The Florida State Fair offered a variety to appeal to just about everyone, from a glitzy Las Vegas revue-style show to a horseshoe championship to an Elvis impersonator contest thrown in for good measure. The fair again fielded an independent midway that featured four coasters, including Wade Shows’ new Pinfari coaster named the Hydroshock.

  Bowdoin Amusements is carving its own niche in New England. The carnival also is in the tent rental and inflatable rental business.

  Manufacturer’s Showcase puts the spotlight on the custom designed beverage containers from Sippers By Design, and the Sno Pro Snow Cone machine and Meister Bake Pretzel Warmer from concession supplier Gold Medal.

  Down Memory Lane is a pictorial essay of the highly decorated trucks and trailers that announced the carnival was in town. Oftentimes these units were used as backdrops for the show.

  For those carnivals using foreign labor, there is an update on the status of the H-2B visa bill that affects the number of temporary workers allowed in the United States to work each year.

  Do you remember the Wisdom 4X 4 Badlands Express? The jeep-style vehicles traveled on an oval course and for the younger set, the attraction was the sense of adventure offered by riding in the cars.

  There is a new show in town, as Jim and Jeff Przybycke established Jim’s Rides with the purchase of D’Heilly and sons Shows.

  The History of Train Shows covers circuses that used to book on carnival midways and the relationship of the Strates Shows and the Endy Bros. Shows, and some of the disasters that struck several carnivals in the early 1950s.

  At the New York Showpeople’s Convention and the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs annual meetings, there was a focus on safety with several seminars given by the New York Amusement Ride Inspection Group. The annual scholarship fund benefited from an auction and awards honored those who went above and beyond the call in 2007.

  Independent ride owner Joe Bourget took the step, crossed the line, and now owns Bourget Amusements. The show’s route covers festivals, celebrations, and fairs in the New England area.

  At the Modeler’s Corner there are some suggestions for building an HO scale model Wipeout; where to get fencing; some new concession trailers from Ron Hamm; and the new carnival model being introduced by German model manufacturer Faller.

  The Now Booking for 2008 section provides the opportunity to check out the carnivals and concessions that may be available for booking your event

  Pack Your Bags features a list of a number of state and industry-related meetings, trade shows, and events

  Check out the Carnival Exchange section that lists carnivals that need route help and have booking opportunities for rides and concessions

  Looking to buy, looking to sell, be sure to check out the Classified Ads

  Also included in this issue are regular features: Midway Talk, Direct From the Lots, and Life's Flow.