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, […]
Read more...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 […]
Read more...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 […]
Read more...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, […]
Read more...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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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 […]
Read more...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 […]
Read more...The Philadelphia, Pa., AIR Show, which was held Sept. 26-28, 2012, was completely sold out with more than 750 booth spaces displaying the latest inflatable play structures from the leading American manufacturers, as well as a large variety of other exhibitors to serve the needs of customers who use inflatables in the businesses. Mechanical Bulls, […]
Read more...Inflatables and bounces have become staples at both small backyard parties and large community and corporate events. While some bounces are still as popular as they were a decade ago, bounce rental companies are always looking for a new inflatable that will become the next “must have” at their clients’ events. As president and owner […]
Read more...From thrill rides to systems implemented behind the scenes, amusement parks continue on a trajectory of technological innovation. In rides, faster, louder and more daring than ever appear to be the watchwords. New for the 2012 season at Busch Gardens-Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Va., is the Verbolten roller coaster, which is based on the theme of […]
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