Search

There are several different kinds of events conducted at fair grandstands. The Greeley Independence Stampede in Colorado has cowboy church services with clergy on horseback that is organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The Brevard County Fair in Florida has a high school cheerleading contest that is well attended by parents and children who go to have fun on the rides when the contest is over., Auto and horse racing, demolition derbies, rodeos, boxing, pro wrestling, antique shows and swap meets are just some of the events other than country and rock concerts plugged into fair [...]

The Outdoor Amusement Business Assn will provide support as a primary sponsor for the Amusement Industry Expo in Cleveland, OH, through 2002. The information was imparted at the 1998 association convention. The I-X Center trade show management group produces the Expo. The association plans to continue to produce ride safety videos and programs throughout 1998., TAMPA -- The Outdoor Amusement Business Assn. will continue to support the Amusement Industry Expo in Cleveland as a primary sponsor through the year 2002, said OABA Executive Director Bob [...]

Attendance at the Minnesota State Fair's Aug 26-Sep 6, 1993 run was 1,601,325, its third highest. Fairgoers were encouraged to come due to promotions which included free admission to children below five years old and to youth and senior citizens on special promotional days. On Labor Day, there was a 'Last Chance Day' promotion. Concerts were presented by Clint Black/Wynonna, Bob Dylan/Santana, Hank Williams Jr and Barry Manilow. Another crowd drawer was the Miller Genuine Draft 300 stock car race., ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota State Fair produced the third-largest turnout in its 130-year history during 12 days of cool but mostly clear weather. Total attendance for the Aug. [...]

John and Toula Pearson entertain fairgoers throughout the US with their unique bell wagon. The bell wagon is an island car decorated with various bells. It contains an organ which John plays while Toula drives the wagon. Their recent fairs were the Illinois State Fair, Iowa State Fair and the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL. In autumn, the Pearsons will attend fairs in Texas and Louisiana and will be in Santa's Enchanted Forest in Miami, FL, for the winter., SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- John Pearson and the Traveling Bell Wagon show came about by accident. Toula Pearson had grown tired of looking at her husband's pipe organ restoration project spread [...]

With the exception of a couple shows, the 17-day Ohio State Fair in Columbus finalized its concert lineup at indoor Celeste Center (cap. 10,200) with more free admission events than [...]

The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis signed a contract with Triangle Talent of Louisville to continue producing free concerts at the Miller Time Main Stage. It's a four-year deal [...]

Although overall attendance decreased slightly Tulsa (Okla.) State Fair President/CEO Denny Tuttle said the event was still 'fantastic' based on public reaction to phase two of a capital improvement master [...]

Variety Attractions' Bill Magann said Def Leppard, fronted by Joe Elliott and represented by Artist Group International, will return to the fair/festival circuit after taking a year off. The Lep [...]

Grand Funk Railroad canceled early October dates at the Tulsa (Okla.) State Fair (2) and Mississippi State Fair in Jackson (4) after bassist Mel Schacher came down with a case [...]

The Panhandle-South Plains Fair in Lubbock, Texas, may revert to all free concerts after suffering through embarrassing turnouts for five paid shows at 5,300-capacity Fair Park Coliseum. Triangle Talent booked [...]

The South Florida Fair, West Palm Beach, confirmed The Gatlin Brothers (Jan. 23-24), John Anderson (25-26) and Don McLean (Feb. 1-2), all three for two shows daily, said VP of [...]

Tulsa (Okla.) State Fair preliminary attendance decreased 3% compared with last year's 1,043,164. This year's dates were Sept. 26-Oct. [...]

For the first time since Clint Black played the Cotton Bowl in 1992, there will concert activity at the stadium during the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. This year, [...]

Triangle Talent booked Third Day, Trick Pony, Emerson Drive and Joan Jett for the Tulsa State Fair's free Oklahoma [...]

Entertainment business concessionaire Joe Premont's presentations in the recent Minnesota State Fair were a 45-foot balloon ride called Ozzie the Koala Bear and a video arcade. The majority of his income still comes from video games even though the machines have become more expensive and competition has increased. Premont recently participated in Canadian fairs held in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Regina., ST. PAUL, Minn.--'The Bear in the Air at the Fair' made its third appearance at the Minnesota State Fair (Aug. 26-Sept. 6). Independent concessionaire Joe Premont of Holyoke, Mass., owns [...]

Reports on the 1997 fair attendance in the United States. Why most of the 1996 top 50 fairs plummeted from the list; State fairs which has record runs in 1997; Influence of performers on fair attendance.

The fingernail biting has subsided a bit now, as fair managers are completing their talent rosters with rock and pop acts that traditionally wait until the last minute to confirm dates. Performer Steely Dan hits fairs on the West and East coasts to support new product. In addition, several fairs booked performers Bob Dylan, Meat Loaf, Alice Cooper, The B-52s, Pat Benatar with musician Neil Giraldo and Foghat. As for contemporary pop, the Goo Goo Dolls return to fairs after a few years' absence with support from Lisa Marie Presley or Uncle Kracker and Sugar Ray. The Red River Valley Fair, held in West Fargo, North Dakota, booked by TEA Entertainment, went heavy on classic rock with performers Poison, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Grand Funk Railroad, Cheap Trick and Def Leppard.

Independent food concessionaires pay anywhere from 10to 254570360f gross revenues to major fairs based on a random survey of state fair managers and their vendors. The Wisconsin State Fair's recent decision to increase its share to 2460305370n food and beverage receipts prompted the publishers of Amusement Business to research the issue. Commercial Exhibits Manager Steve Reinhardt conducted extensive research before determining the exact increase, she says "The primary reason for the increase is to level the playing field. There were so many different rates out there. The key word is standardization. Now, they are paying the same amount across the board." Concessionaire Joe Clair with Luehrs Ideal Rides, based in Florida and Illinois, books independently at Dade County, the only venue in which he pays the fair on a percentage basis.He says "A lot of people would prefer footage, the traditionalcarnival way. Often, is the cause of higher prices. You have to raise the menu to help the bottom line." Manager Pat Lloyd said the figure was in the 'low-to mid-20range' when he was general manager of the Tulsa, Oklahoma State Fair.He says "I believe a rate approaching 25 12708728s burdensome on the concessionaire. Anymore, their investment in is more of an issue, as well as higher fuel costs. They face the same challenges as we all do with respect to labor. But percentages must be viewed as fair to all parties that allows both of us to profit."

Deals with the diversity of musical artists set for fairs and festivals across the U.S. in year 2002. Consensus among fair managers, booking agents and talent buyers; Demand for country artist Toby Keith; Reasons for the demand for sixties and classic rock artists.

Reports on the growing number of rock talent groups available for fairs in the United States. Drawback of using rockers to perform on fairs; Factors attributed to the surge in rock and roll groups available to fairs.

Reports on the results of the 1999 Del Mar Fair in California. Attendance record; Weather condition during the event; Admission fee; Live entertainment.

Reports on the high-tech attractions in fairs and festivals in the United States. Visits by 1-800-COLLECT/Fox Virtual Reality Tour to fairs and festivals; Scheduled high-tech interactivities on Labor Day; High-tech attractions of the Lollapalooza tour; Promotional agreements of AT&T; Iwerks Entertainment's ride simulators.

Reports on the plans of Minnesota Fair Director of Sales/Concessions Jim Sinclair to set a deadline on March 1, 1995 for participants to the Mighty Midway Fair. Reaction from show owners; Shortness of alloted time according to show owners; Remarks.

Reports on the adult admission prices for fairs in the United States for 1996. Fairs that posted big increases in adult admission prices; Comment by Bill Stinson, Indiana State Fair manager; Comparison of the admission prices for 1995.

The article presents news about the amusement and entertainment industry in the U.S. as of June 9, 2003. Delaware State Friar general manager Dennis Hazzard found himself having to prepare a letter explanation and apology to several fans of artist Toby Keith after officials were overwhelmed with mail orders for the July 21, 2003 show in Harrington booked and produced by Variety Attractions. All seats were filled up on the very first day that mail orders were received in mid-May, thereby eliminating the three other modes of ticket acquisition, namely online, telephone and box office sale. In another development related to the amusement business Western Washington Fair in Puyallup, in-house, booked rap, classic rock, folk, country, contemporary Christian, oldies as well as musical satire in Al Yankovic.

Showmen's League of America (SLA) officials confirmed that the club would again organize an Exhibitors Lounge for ride manufacturers and suppliers at the Venetian Hotel during the Las Vegas convention. Reiterating its position, SLA Convention Committee chairman. Ron Burback responded to a memorandum of understanding sent by the International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) requesting that the SLA rejoin the Outdoor Amusement Business Association for the IAFE trade show and affiliated activities at the Las Vegas Hilton Corp. Jeff Blomsness, former SLA president, said he is working with promoter Greg Walton to book Chubby Checker through Paradise Artists. The latest news with the four-story SLA facility, heavily damaged by fire in December 2001, is that the city of Chicago finally granted the necessary permit to begin interior work, while renovation continues on the exterior of the building, said Graham Putnam, the one-man committee in charge of the project.

The article discusses the status of concert lineups booked for North American fairs and festivals for 2003. Triangle Talent Inc.'s Dave Snowden has noticed that fair managers are not hesitatingto look elsewhere for talent if an act stalls on commitments. Booking festivals in the Appalachian region, Bill Heaberlin of Huntington, West Virginia-based Media Promotion Enterprises had to contend with radius clauses for country singers Trace Adkins and Brad Martin.

Windy City Amusements of Saint Charles, Illinois, enters its 26th season with Majestic's new X-Scream, new dates at the Kankakee County Fair and Chicago, Illinois's Merchandise Mart and, hopefully, eager employees from Europe imported through the Polish Embassy. Representatives from about 60 Chicago-area fire departments were present, earning certification for their attendance. Indoor revenues were off due to mild weather and the economy. Ticket prices for rides remain the same as last year. Windy City anticipates the arrival May 1 of 55 college-age students from Poland. The Kankakee County Fair, July 30-August 3, in Kankakee, Illinois, which Windy City assumed from All-Star Amusements, which subcontracted the 2002 midway with Fantasy Amusements, enters the second year with a straight coupon system for the midway Previously, it was a pay-one-price event with the carnival included. The carnival plays about six city festivals.

Reports on a request made by TBA Entertainment Corp.'s Gil Cunningham that fairs should loosen their tight deadlines for confirming national acts on rock and pop side. Reason behind the request; Rock-band that may perform at the company's fair in 2003; Reasons why fair organizers issue stringent deadlines to pop groups.

Reports on the decrease in the revenues of the Florida State Fair midway in comparison to the year 2002. Reasons for the decrease in the revenues; Statistics on the total gross revenue earned in 2003 and 2002.

Focuses on various issues related to the cancellation of fairs and festivals. Number of concert cancellation experienced by TBA Entertainment's fair division; Steps taken by the organizers of fairs in the event cancellations close to showtime; Adoption of 'Plan B' for cancellations.

Reports on the attendance at the Florida State Fair held between February 6-17, 2003. Percentage decrease in the attendance compared to 2002; Reason behind the decrease; Tabulation of the revenue loss in the event; Information related to various programs held at the event.

Reports on the various factors that most talent buyers and fairs and festivals organizers in determining the proper mix of fairtime concerts and deciding on which performers to sign up. Determining the right mix in music styles; Demographic segmented catered to; Role played by gross potential, artist preference and media support; Budgetary considerations and availability of artists.

Reports that while the deadline for fairs and exhibitions in the U.S. to confirm the artists and groups who will be performing at their venues, there is still indecision among several performers about performing at the grandstands. Major performers who have yet to confirm performance dates with fairs; Problems faced by the fair administrations due to delay; General reluctance of young performers to perform at fairs.

Reports on the entry of William Morris Agency Inc., representing television talk show host Jerry Springer, into the amusement business in the U.S. Principals involved in the live production of fairs; Career background of Springer; Apprehensions of fair officials about the involvement of Springer.

Reports that Royal Palm Beach, Florida-based Conklin Shows retained its leading position in the list of top 50 fairs in North America for the 12th consecutive year while Amusements of America and Wade Shows recorded the biggest jumps in the ranks. Prospects for Conklin Shows; Major contracts picked up by various shows; Other major shifts in positions of fairs; Shortcomings inherent in the ranking system used.

Reports on the International Association of Fairs & Expositions convention held in Las Vegas, Texas on December 4, 2002 that focused on misconceptions of artists and performers about fairs. Comments of singer Jon Bon Jovi regarding performing in a livestock fairs in Minnesota; Criticism of the singer's conceptions about fairs; Problems faced by fair organizers in booking performers.

Focuses on the International Association of Fairs & Expositions convention to be held during December 2-5, 2002 at Las Vegas in Nevada. Objective of the convention; Agenda of the convention; List of artists participating in the convention.

Presents an update on the renovation of the Minnesota State Fair facility in Saint Paul, as of November 4, 2002. Estimated cost of the renovation; History of the state fair; Details on the phases of the project.

Presents information on the multi-artist packages aimed offered by independent promoters and booking agents at fairs and festivals in the U.S. as of October 21, 2002. Multi-artists package of Clear Channel Entertainment; Electric Barnyard Tour package of Buddy Lee Attractions and Jam Productions; Classic county package of BLA company.

Deals with the success of the 2002 Minnesota State Fair in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Gross income of the fair; Ticket prices; Highlights of the fair.

Reports on the overall attendance of Illinois State Fair on August 9 to 18, 2002. Attendance in 2001; Estimated revenues of each grandstand shows at the fair; Promotion of the fair.

Reveals that the Kansas State Fair did not close down on September 11, 2001 after the terrorist attacks. Performer at the fair for the September 6-22, 2002 event; Fairs which will be opened and prepared events on the date.

Reports on the attendance records at the Wisconsin State Fair from August 1 to 11, 2002. Total number of people who attended the fair; Admission fees; Earnings of the Wisconsin Bakers Association; Carnival gross of Murphy Bros. Exposition; Performers at the fair.

Reports that Swyear Amusements has completed its 14th year of playing the Henry County Fair in Cambridge, Illinois on June 18-23, 2002. Origin of the carnival business; Family members of Janice Swyear involved in the business; Itinerary of the carnival in fairs across the U.S.; Amusement rides of the carnival.

Focuses on Matt Armstrong Shows, a carnival based in Lake Charles and Westlake, Louisiana. Message of Todd Armstrong for competing carnivals spreading rumors about the demise of Matt Armstrong Shows following the death of his father; Itinerary of the carnival in fairs across the U.S.; Equipment added to the carnival's lineup of amusement rides; Concessionaires working with the carnival.

Provides information on the Minnesota State Fair in Saint Paul, Minnesota from August 22 to September 2, 2002. Attractions; Concerns raised by carnival ride operators and game and food concessionaires; Increase in security budget for the fair; Reason for the exception of midway workers from background checks.

Focuses on automated external defibrillators, a tool for first aid and emergency medical personnel at fair and festival venues. Advantages of having the equipment; Cost of the equipment; Information on the device's manufacturer, Physio Control.

Focuses on the decision of Wisconsin Exposition Center to open bids for a third party concessionaire for foodservices at its fairgrounds facilities in Wisconsin. Concessionaires who plan to bid for the facility; Capital improvement project of the fair; Information on the third party vendors of the exposition center.

Reports on the plans of conducting a conference at Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada for both the members of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association as of May 6, 2002. Significance of a combined social function for the amusement industry; Details of the contract of IAFE with the Las Vegas Hilton; Developments at the Las Vegas Hilton.