Matt McDonagh of Big Rock Amusements has purchased McDonagh Amusements from his father, Tom McDonagh. Matt formed Big Rock Amusements in 2010. Both Tom and his wife, Jeanne, will remain active in the carnival industry and continue to own rides. See March’s Carnival Magazine for a feature story on Big Rock Amusements and McDonagh Amusements.

Jim Frederiksen has partnered up with Kenny Mulligan to build one-trailer Gondola Wheels for the traveling carnival industry at his Fun Slide factory in Tampa, FL. With Kenny Mulligan having 20 years of experience building Gondola Wheels, “it is a first class ride they are now building,” says Jim Frederiksen. The first wheel is being sold to Jimmy Otterbacher with Otterbacher Shows and will be on display at the IISA Trade Show February 7 – 11, 2012 in Gibsonton, FL. The wheel has Maxtron LED lights from Rides-4-U.

Ross Owen of Owen Trailers reports that the first unit produced for 2012 will be shipped to Tom Evans of Evans United Shows. The Owen unit that will be featured at the IISF trade show in Gibtown will be delivered to Dick Stewart of Stewart Amusements. Owen Trailers has also sold units to Bob Hauser of West Coast Amusements in Canada and the Jamieson Family’s World’s Finest Shows also out of Canada. Later in 2012, a unit will be delivered to Tom and Jeanne McDonagh.

Chris Walden has accepted a new position with the Wisconsin State Fair. In 2012, Chris will take up the role of Games, Guest and Operator Relations Team. He will be joining Rick Frenette, the fair’s Executive Director; Adam Heffron, Director of Event Services; and Tom Atkins, Attractions Team and Electrical Manager. Chris will continue on with his responsibilities for the Minnesota State Fair and other projects. The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair will be held August 2 – 12.

The Marion County 4-H Fair in Indiana has moved their dates up to June 22 – 30 in 2012. Traditionally, the fair has been held in late July. The organization has also contracted with North American Midway Entertainment for the first time. Drew Expositions had provided the midway for 26 years.

Rides4U announced that they will install a $1 million LED lighting system on the Dallas State Fair Space Needle. It will be the largest LED lighting package on an attraction in the U.S.

At the recent IAFE Annual Convention in Las Vegas, OABA recognized the following members with the Circle of Excellence award for 2011 through 2015: Mike & Connie Featherston (Gold Star Amusements); MN State Fair; Guy & Charlene Leavitt (RCS); E. James Strates (Strates Shows); Patrick Sheridan (Alamo Amusements); Gary Armstrong (Armstrong Concessions); Carmel Dyer (Australian Foods); Tony Cassata (Cassata Concessions); Jim & Nancy Bishop (Bishop Amusement Rides); Mike Demas (Demas Enterprises); Doug Dills (Dills Concessions); Fred Pittroff (Giant Slide); James Coffield (Jimmy’s Concessions); Brett Enright (Juicy’s Outlaw Grill); Mike & Connie Featherston (Lee’s Concessions); Richard Thomas (Little Richard’s Enterprises); Chris & Jody Lopez (Lopez Concessions); Brad Ribar (Loret Foods); Michael & Kristin Ousey (Mad Hatter Concessions); Bill & Deborah Morton (Morton Concessions); Butch Netterfield (Netterfield’s Concessions); Dominic & Kim Palmieri (Odyssey Foods); Nick Pelino (Showtime Rides); Bryan Creason (Sixth Generation Rides); Sam Raggath (Sun Side, Inc.); Rob & Tassie Jundt (T.J.’s Ice Cream); Ben & Joy Pickett (Trinity Concessions); Suzann Shorb (Wonderland Amusements); and Michael Wood (Wood Entertainment). Congratulations to all awardees.

Worldwide Ticketcraft officially moved all operations to Florida as of January 1, 2012. Their location in Merrick, NY closed and all equipment and services will now continue through their headquarters in Boynton Beach, FL.