Coming in February 2008:  

  It is once again that magical time of year - the 2007 IISF Trade Show and Extravaganza in Gibtown, Florida! Manufacturers and suppliers to the traveling outdoor amusement industry will exhibit and demonstrate their goods and services. CARNIVAL features a listing of the exhibitors, along with pertinent data, giving attendees compact and comprehensive information. Also, included is a daily schedule and a listing of the various seminars offered.

  It may be tough going for many carnivals and other businesses that employ seasonal labor. The government program that has allowed visa-permitted employees to work for up to ten months a year has been stalemated in Congress. How will this affect the 2008 season?

  Rhode Island-based Rockwell Amusements serves up the thrills at the Three County Fair in Northampton, Massachusetts, an event that claims to be the “oldest fair in America.”

  When not participating at fairs in the Northeast, Tim Coleman, Coleman Brothers Shows, is working on refurbishing some older rides to bring them back to the midway.

  Local organizations complemented Mark Fanelli’s Traveling Amusement Park when it provided the midway at the annual Dalton Community Fair in Massachusetts.

  Two brothers operate two separate carnivals in Arizona and combine for a major date. The Mattfeldt brothers, Steve and Tim, bring Sun Valley Rides and the Great Northern A’Fair together for the St. Gregory Fall Festival in Phoenix.

  One of California’s premier carnivals, Carnival Time Shows, is put in the spotlight in Down Memory Lane.

  The History of Train Shows focuses on the 1940s and the World of Mirth, a large rail show, when it tried a variety of ideas to attract and to keep visitors on the midway.

  The Orchestrophone, a mechanical band organ, is on display at the Morris Museum in Morristown, New Jersey. The ornate piece is part of the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of over 700 mechanical musical instruments

  Brown’s Amusements, a recent recipient of the OABA Circle of Excellence Award, makes the sun shine even brighter in Arizona and the Southwest, where they set up their midway at county fairs and festivals.

  Do you remember Wisdom Industries Magic Carpet ride? Versions of it can still be seen on contemporary midways. The thrill ride was designed to give passengers the thrill of riding on - what else - but a magic carpet!

  Dreamland Amusements hosted a new fair in Vermont. Organized by the Knights of Columbus, the fair achieved an attendance of over 9,000 visitors in its debut run.

  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.

  See you in Gibtown- February 5-9, 2007