February 10, 2013
For the February/March issue each year, we bring you the Who’s Who Buyer’s Guide. The listing is a chance to get familiarized with all of the top vendors in the industry, and highlights the companies that are advertisers in the issue with all of their contact information. This year’s edition has been streamlined, and we ...
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January 4, 2013
For over a century, traveling fairs and carnivals have toured America, entertaining communities of all sizes with the combination of lavish shows, great food, fun games and thrilling rides. There’s nothing quite like the excitement and adventure of working outdoors with one of America’s premier traveling carnivals. These jobs offer steady pay, great bonding opportunities ...
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January 3, 2013
When it comes to concession food trends at fairs and festivals, crowds seem to love classic favorites, but they also like to try the latest and greatest culinary concoctions. Although people like to try everything from fried Kool-Aid to anything on a stick, fair managers say people are creatures of habit. “French fries, corn dogs, ...
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January 3, 2013
The traveling entertainment is always striving to offer the most popular rides, concessions and games, but when it comes to games, it turns out carnival-goers are more interested in familiar, tried-and-true tests of skills on the midway as opposed to new creations. Dart throws, water games, speed pitches, duck, frog and fish ponds and basketball ...
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January 3, 2013
For the first issue of TAP each year, our contributing writers take the pulse of the traveling amusement industry. For 2013, we offer expanded coverage of this interesting and enduring segment of the business. In our special Carnivals feature section, you will find articles about hiring and training best practices, the hottest carnival and midway ...
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January 3, 2013
If comedy is said to be serious business you can bet that scaring the socks off of people is, too – especially when it comes to also ensuring their safety. Haunted attractions only operate for a handful of weeks each year, but the potential for injury — dark, often cramped spaces filled with bizarre artifacts, ...
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January 3, 2013
The boundaries of inflatable ride designs are limited only by imagination. Still, when purchasing a unit, durability is a primary concern. Finding rides made of the best quality material, and then caring for the unit meticulously, is a sure formula to extend the life of your purchase. Nixa Party Station, based in Nixa, Mo., specializes ...
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January 3, 2013
Amusement and entertainment companies are always in search of the next big thing that will attract customers. One of the new successes to hit the market in the past two years is the mobile zip line. “Our zip line has increased our business by 25 percent,” said Deb Millward, who owns Vertical Edge Entertainment in ...
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November 1, 2012
Is gore “out” and startle “in” at haunted attractions, or are both still very much the trend? It depends whom you ask, but one thing is certain: introducing different elements and features annually is a “must” if operators are to maximize the appeal of their venues. So, too, is maintaining year-round contact with customers through ...
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