In the July 2008 issue:  

  The cover of the July 2007 issue represents a departure from the more traditional cover photograph. This cover depicts a copy of a postcard from Royal American Shows that was issued in 1970

  Representative of many American carnivals, Pennsylvania-based Tropical Amusements, a family operation, plays their traditional route of fairs and festivals primarily in their home state.

  Down Memory Lane offers a photo profile of the Johnny J. Jones Exposition, an extensive railroad show of years ago.

  Not so very long ago there was at least one girl show on a midway. This form of entertainment has virtually faded from the carnival scene. Sandy O’Hara was a young girl of 17 when she got her start as chorus girl and appeared on a number of midways in the 1970s and 1980s. Her husband, David Hanson, was a show talker who also was heavily involved in creating the Gulf Coast State Fair & Exposition.

  Manufacturer’s Showcase puts the spotlight on a Mega Drop from Amusement Sales (Fabbri Group) that was delivered to North American Midway Entertainment N.A.M.E.); and Gold Medal Products has introduced six new games to the Whiz Bang Carnival game line, and a cotton candy machine, the Stainless Steel Econo Floss, that features Lock-n-Go handles.

  New York State has taken a proactive role in ride safety, reminding those visiting midways throughout the state of their responsibilities; and also introducing a new website that focuses on those responsibilities.

  Norton Auctioneers conducted a sale recently of rides and games owned by veteran showman Bill Dickey. Over 150 bidders from six states were in attendance.

  Interacting with live stingrays is one of the display attractions with Joe Culver’s Live Stingray Encounter.

  In conclusion, the Gooding’s Amusement Company commemorative booklet paid tribute to many of the individuals involved with the carnival; included is a listing of the many fairs and events in which the carnival participated.

  The History of Train Shows covers the Bill Hames Shows as a railroad carnival during the 1920s and 1930s.

  At a Fair/festival in California, a mechanical problem led to an accident involving a YoYo. About 18 riders required medical attention and the cause of the accident is under investigation.

  Route Snapshots takes a look at the Mighty Thomas Carnival at the 2007 Montana Fair.

  To facilitate looking for a company that does business with the outdoor amusement industry, an Advertiser’s Index has been added to the magazine.

  On the Road is a chronological route listing for the month of July of dozens of carnivals traveling to events throughout the continent. This listing is a great resource for scheduling or finding a favored show.

  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.