Have you ever wondered what the holidays are like when you work for a carnival? Thanksgiving 2001, I was a carnie. And although I was hundreds of miles away from my family, missing out on the traditions that I had grown to love, this will go down in history as one of my favorite Thanksgivings ever!
I didn’t know what to expect. I had only been a carnie for a few months and this was the first major family-oriented holiday that I had spent with these people. It was also the first that I had spent away from family. Sure, I spent Halloween with this new chosen family of mine, but that was different. I have always seen Halloween as more of a ‘for fun’ holiday. This was one that was actually about something – being thankful for what you have.
The day started out fairly normal. The only exception was that I heard rumors that the bosses were going to feed us before work. We cleaned up, loaded on the bus, and rode to the San Antonio K-Mart parking lot we were working at that week. Some friends and I went into the store for drinks and to look at the neat stuff. Since I had a baby in my tummy at the time, I was particularly interested in the children’s books and toys.
We went out to see if the food was ready yet. It was not, so my boyfriend and I wondered over to the Ferris Wheel. We got on and ya know what? The silly ride jock who was running the ride just left us there! Up at the top – no way down. It was nice, looking down at the world, enjoying the breeze, being alone with no interruptions. But it also got a little frustrating when I needed the restroom and we saw that they were starting to serve dinner with us up in the air! Someone let us down though just in time to enjoy one of the best Thanksgiving dinners I ever had.
The food… Was good. Can’t compare to what my aunt and grandmother make, but it was the only home-cooked meal we had in months. And the company… It doesn’t get much better than being surrounded by your best friends in a relaxed environment where you are free to enjoy yourself.
After dinner, our day continued as normal. I went to the concession stand where I would spend my day making Cotton Candy as my significant other headed for the bumper cars. Then we spent the rest of our evening bringing smiles to the faces of some of the wonderful people of San Antonio, Texas.
I was a carnie for a while and I loved it. You get to see a lot of places and meet a lot of new people. I worked for the Reed Exposition Midways and it was like one big happy family. I made good money when I worked for them and I agree the work was hard at times. We had long days at times but seeing everyone have fun made it all worthwhile. I did just about everything you can do from selling lemonade to selling tickets, running rides and doing the games. I also did trash pickup and set up rides and made extra money that way. If you don’t have family and want something to do that will be entertaining with a lot of hard work become a carnie.
Being a carnie sucked for me. the reed show only pays 115 a week, and me and my 2 kids had to survive on that. i loved bein able to watch the kids smile n play, but it wasnt worth 115 a week.
Wow. … $115 a week for a family of 3 does stink. I hope you have found something that works better for your family. – I got $200 – $250 a week depending on how busy the spot was. (and bunk house rent was only 20 a week, so that left me at least 180 for food, clothes and whatever else I wanted / needed)
I met my first wife when I was 17 on Gene Ledel Shows in 1980 at the Lea County Fair, Lovington, New Mexico. She worked the popper, and I was second man on the scooters. She was Cotton Candy Annie and I was Scooter Dave. Wrights Amusement is working that fair this year.
We had many adventures, and 2 daughters along the way. By the end of 1992, I ended up as the ride supervisor on Bill Dillard’s Expo, and she was managing the popper there.
After that last season, we left the road but continued in the business with ride repair and restoration, trailer/joint framing, and anything else we could find. My wife passed away 2 years ago this month.
Your story sounds so familiar to me, and I hope that you too have many good memories of your life on the road. I am getting myself ready to go back out next season, but will probably just be a fixit man since I have a bad back. A result of years of humping pig iron and getting old, ha ha!
Don’t give up on the site! This is a great idea you have here. Texas carnival shows are unique to the business, and I wouldn’t want to winter anywhere else than in my home state of Texas!
Scooter
I am filming a documentary about carnies and your story is perfect. Could I come and film you and you boyfriend? Could I get the contact information for your boss? Carnies have facinated me for years which is why I am making this film.
Let me know if you are interested. Have you had your baby yet?
Thanks
Darren
512-633-9195
Sorry I didn’t notice your comment sooner. I’ll keep a closer eye on comments from now on!
Yes, I had my baby in 2002.
We recently celebrated her 7th birthday. I’ll have to get more details about your documentary. Sounds interesting.
being a carnie is a joke you work 100 hrs a week for 225 thats if u get it stay away from century 21 shows
I agree that it’s hard work for low pay. And some shows aren’t as good as others. – Sounds like the one you were with worked you pretty hard.
I know I often worked more than full time for $200 – $250 per week. Then again, my expenses were also low and I LOVED meeting new people every week! It’s not for everyone. But it was for me a while back.