Powers Great American Midways (PGAM) has received the contract for the 2011 Danbury City Fair at the Danbury Fair Mall in Connecticut.  2011 marks the 11th year for the Danbury City Fair.  The Fair is shifting dates in 2011, from June/July to May 13 through 30.  PGAM's Dark Blue Unit will provide the midway.

New Ownership for North American Midway Entertainment

Jeff Blomsness and Danny Huston have become the new owners of North American Midway Entertainment. 

According to N.A.M.E., "Danny Huston and Jeff Blomsness are very excited to announce that they have collectively sealed the deal to purchase North American Midway Entertainment from the Cypress Group. The Cypress Group, a New York based private equity firm, has owned North American Midway Entertainment since its inception in 2004. The sale of N.A.M.E. to Huston/ Blomsness became effective as of December 20, 2010."

Danny Huston stated “we are all very excited about the recent events that we undertake to keep the highest levels of standards and professionalism, further making North American Midway Entertainment the continued leader in our industry.”

North American Midway Entertainment was founded prior to the 2005 season. N.A.M.E. was originally comprised of former Conklin Shows, Farrow Shows, Astro Amusements, and All Star Amusements. The company’s first event was the South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach, January 14 – 30, 2005. N.A.M.E. soon expanded with the addition of Mid America Shows and substantial ride and contract acquisitions from Cumberland Valley Shows. Today, N.A.M.E. is known as the #1 World’s Largest Traveling Amusement Park. The company provides midways for 145 fairs and festivals throughout the United States and Canada on an annual basis. All combined, N.A.M.E. owns 250 rides and travels a combined mileage of 2 million miles per year.

Jeff Blomsness was a Principal of the N.A.M.E. executive staff since its inception.  In the past, Jeff served as Chairman of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA). He currently serves on OABA’s Executive Board. He was elected in 2002 as the President of the Showmen’s League of America. Also according to N.A.M.E., “[Jeff ] was appointed to the Illinois Festival Hall of Fame by the Illinois Festival Association, served on the Board of Directors for Variety Club International and the Advisory Board of County Fairs and Horse Racing for the Illinois Department of Labor.”

Also a Principal of the N.A.M.E. executive staff, Danny Huston has been in the industry for over 30 years. Before N.A.M.E., Danny Huston was co-owner of Mid America Shows. Danny served as Chairman of the OABA. In Indiana, Danny was appointed by Governor Frank O’Bannon to serve on an amusement ride safety board for a four-year term beginning in 1997 and was appointed by the State Speaker of the House for an additional four years in 2002. Danny’s son, Blake Huston is a Unit Manager for N.A.M.E. on the show’s Mid-American Stars Unit.

A complete article on this news will appear in next month's issue of Carnival Magazine.  Also check back at www.carnivalmag.com for more updates.