September 2014 by Spotlight Graphics

September 2014

Contents The Official Publication of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association

September 2014

Features

ASSOCIATION 4 FROM THE OABA CHAIR

17, 22 SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the H-2B Worker Why Join The OABA? To Drop Or Not To Drop — That Is The Question Showmen Supplies and Fabbri Group Sign Ride Parts Distribution Deal What Does the OABA Do For YOU? (Good Question!)

On Tour for the OABA!

Jammin’ Jamborees and Contribution Fund Drawing Winners

12 13 14 15 16

6 ASSOCIATION BUZZ Mobile Amusement Ride Safety

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS 26 REGULATORY UPDATE

7 CALENDAR

State Legislation and Regulations

10 AS THE WHEEL TURNS

27 DOT REGULATORY NEWS

Who, what and where are people making news? Here’s the scoop.

CIRCUS MEMBERS 30 FROM THE CENTER RING

8 ON THE EARIE

Rodney Huey follows circuses around the country.

Tom Powell reports on the industry’s shows, fairs, colorful show folks and amusing events.

17, 21 PHOTO GALLERY The OABA catches members in action.

32 W ORLDWIDE CIRCUS SUMMIT 2015 SLATED FOR “THE BIG E” FAIRGROUNDS 33 CAPITOL UPDATE Joan Galvin, Government Relations Consultant

Facebook www.facebook.com/oabainfo

Twitter @oabainfo

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All advertisements appearing in this ShowTime publication are paid by the advertiser and the OABA reserves the right to refuse any advertising. The ads are provided on an “as is” basis and do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the OABA. In addition, the OABA does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the information, products, or services of any corporation, organization, or person contributing to this publication.

ShowTime

OABA OFFICERS

OABA TRUSTEES

EDITOR Dee Dee Alford 407.681.9444 H deedeea@oaba.org

CHAIR Chris Lopez 1ST VICE CHAIR Michael Wood 2ND VICE CHAIR Thomas J. Gaylin, III 3RD VICE CHAIR E. J. Dean TRUSTEE 2013 Mike Featherston TRUSTEE 2012 Jeanne McDonagh TRUSTEE 2011 Bill Johnson TREASURER Larry Yaffe PRESIDENT Bob Johnson

GRAPHIC DESIGN Avic-Versi Creative Jen Burge H 817.602.7254 H avicversi@att.net

OABA DIRECTORS

PUBLISHER|MANAGING EDITOR Robert Johnson 407.681.9444 H bobj@oaba.org

ADVERTISING SALES Kim Weeks 612.501.4600 H kimw@oaba.org ASSOCIATION OFFICE Outdoor Amusement Business Assn., Inc. 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1045A Winter Park, FL 32792 407.681.9444 H fax 407.681.9445 © Outdoor Amusement Business Assn. 2014

Michael Brajevich Joe Burum Tony Cassata Brad Dallman Andy Deggeller Michael Doolan Bob Hauser Blake Huston

Stacey Jamieson Mitchell Kaliff Melissa Kibby Michael Lauther Ron Morris Ben Pickett Debbie Powers Rick Reithoffer

Lorelei Schoendienst Joseph Skerbeck Mary Chris Smith Greg Stewart Jay Strates Holly Swartz Amber Swedgan Rob Vivona

Dominic Vivona, Jr.-2010 Wayne McCary-2009 Andy Schoendienst-2008 John Hanschen-2007 Guy Leavitt-2006 Ron Burback-2005 Don Deggeller-2004 James E. Strates-2003 * Jackie Swika-2002 Danny Huston-2001 Jeff Blomsness-2000 Sam Johnston-1999 Buddy Merten-1998 * Richard Janas-1997 Jean Clair-1996 James Murphy-1995 Dominic Vivona-1994 * Bill Dillard, Sr.-1993 Tom Atkins-1992 * Red Wood-1991 Billy Burr-1990 * Deceased

Bob Coleman, Sr.-1989 * Milt F. Kaufman-1988 * Andy Andersen-1987 * John Vivona-1986 * Mike Farino-1985 James H. Drew, III-1984 Gerald L. Murphy-1983 * John A. Campi-1982 * Buster L. Brown-1981 * Hub Luehrs-1980 * Lloyd J. Hilligoss-1979 * Hal F. Eifort-1978 * Alfred H. Kunz-1977 * P.E. Reithoffer, Jr.-1976 * Bernard P. Thomas-1975 E. James Strates-1974 * Rod Link-1973 * C.J. Sedlmayr-1972 * John Portemont-1971 * William T. Collins-1966-70 * W.G. Wade-1965

ASSOCIATION H MESSAGE FROM THE OABA CHAIR

On Tour for the OABA! Chris Lopez

ow that we are into September, many are thinking I want to personally thank those of you listed on pages 17, 22 Labor Day fairs and festivals, soon Congress will and 31 for your support of OABA Jammin’ Jamborees, Contribution be back in session after a five-week recess, and Fund and Circus Fund. Whether you’re a big or small traveling hopefully some of you utilizing the H-2B seasonal foreign guest show, concessionaire or circus, the need for lobbying and legal worker program had a chance to talk with a federal lawmaker help, funds to lobby against the exotic animal activists, H-2B isand pitch your need for a viable program. sues or state amusement ride regulations that are not in the best A big thanks to OABA President Bob interest of this trade association, affects Johnson, First Vice Chair Michael Wood, our members differently. It is easy for all Third Vice Chair E.J. Dean and Director of us to get lost in the daily grind of this Let’s face it, no one else Andy Deggeller for their two days of business, but these issues can affect us to“walking the aisles” as they say, pitching in this industry is going to help day or tomorrow and our children’s future. our industry’s story, labor issues and As OABA chairs before me have done, I your business like the OABA H-2B initiatives in Washington, DC. needed to get away from my family’s show, and protect the future of this The OABA’s new lobbyists, Gregg RCS, and go to the east coast, starting out Hartley with Cloakroom Advisors and just south of Boston in Marshfield, MA to industry. Joan Galvin with Kelly Drye, along with see E.J. Dean, his family and Fiesta Shows, their associates made arrangements for the largest show in New England. My wife, our team to visit over 30 Congressional offices and Committee Jody, was with me and we really appreciated the hospitality and Chairs. They worked extremely hard scheduling meetings and seeing this great community event. The entire Fiesta family works following up on those meetings with invitations to visit their hard to provide a wonderful, safe product for their guests. local county and state fairs. Our next visit was the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, NY By now, the stakeholders in the H-2B visa program have reand the Powers family, with OABA Director Debbie Powers and her ceived a letter from President Johnson soliciting financial suphusband, Corky. Nestled in Sleepy Hollow country, this is a beautiful port for this H-2B lobbying initiative. Speaking on behalf of the fairgrounds and outstanding midway, food concessionaires, exhibits OABA board, I know these requests are never easy. However, and showcase for New York’s agriculture. This fair, managed by in this case, without this vital seasonal labor program, many Andy Imperati, is truly a gem of what America’s fairs are all about. carnivals and concessionaires would be in a world of hurt! Bob Johnson and his wife, Alex, drove up to Rhinebeck to Please give this request your serious attention. Let’s face it, no meet us after their nephew’s wedding in Long Beach Island, one else in this industry is going to help your business like the NJ. We were also surprised to see another OABA Director, Mary OABA and protect the future of this industry. Chris Smith, Chairman & CEO of Allied Specialty Insurance, who

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H OABA ShowTime Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2014

was there visiting Powers Great American Midways and their clients, including the fair. Last leg of our trip last month was a visit to the Minnesota State Fair, an OABA Circle of Excellence independent midway, thanks to the dedication and passion of Jim Sinclair and fair CEO Jerry Hammer. Jim works hard to bring in some of the best in our industry to field their midways and he appreciates all the carnival industry does to support their fair and the work the OABA does for this industry. On the way home Jody and I both agreed that although we get the same type of support that we saw from our fairs, board and communities on the RCS route, it was nice to be a guest and see these great fairs from a patron’s view, especially eating our way through all the food delicacies in the northeast and the midwest. My in-laws, Guy and Charlene Leavitt, say, “If you bring home one new idea, the trip pays for itself!” I can say we experienced many! Stay safe, and I hope you all have very prosperous days ahead! H

SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

ASSOCIATION H ASSOCIATION BUZZ

Mobile Amusement Ride Safety... Led by ASTM, Ride Manufacturers and Ride Owners Bob Johnson, OABA President

STM F24 Committee on Amusement Rides and While many rides today are manufactured in Europe, Devices was formed in 1978. F24 meets twice a most carnival owners and independent ride owners travel year, usually in February and October, with apto Europe to preview prototypes or actual rides working at proximately 200 members from around the world attending festivals and fairs and visit the ride manufactures at their two or three days of technical, subcommittee meetings. The plants. European-manufactured rides also conform to simiconsensus committee, with current membership of approxilar European (TUV, UK or DIN) or Canadian (CSA) standards. mately 700 members, has jurisdiction over some 20 stanNow there is a World Harmonization Committee reviewdards, published in the annual ing these and U.S. standards for book of ASTM standards. compatibility to insure the highest These standards have and safety standards worldwide. These standards have and continue to play a preeminent Carnival owners and indepencontinue to play a preeminent role role in all important aspects of dent ride owners must choose rides design, inspection and operation and attractions that consider their in all important aspects of design, of amusement rides and devices. seasonal route, their contracts, and inspection and operation of They help lead this industry’s whether to buy new or used rides. amusement rides and devices. ride manufacturers, who have There are a lot of rides in operation the engineering expertise to today in the U.S. and when buying design and also rely on these used rides, ASTM also comes into industry consensus standards to help make certain that our play with required documents of maintenance, repair and guests riding rides and experiencing attractions have the operation. highest confidence in their active entertainment experience. If you own rides in this industry, you can’t afford not Industry experts, many of whom are engineers, lawyers and to be a member of ASTM. For more information, go to regulators, spend years with subcommittees of F24 providwww.astm.org/committee/F24. ing input and balloting technical standards. Also, check out the OABA’s website, U.S. ride manufacturing companies, such as A.R.M., www.carnivalridesafety.com, for more information. H Battech Enterprises, Chance Rides, Dalton, Eli Bridge, Fredrickson, GoldStar, Majestic, Owens, Larson and Wisdom, are represented by members of ASTM F24, and usually have experts attending meetings or involved with task group subcommittees.

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CALENDAR

October 15–18 F24 Meeting – Amusement Rides and Devices

Valley Ho Hotel • Scottsdale, AZ

October 17–19 IAFE Institute of Fair Management Summit

December 7–11 IAFE 124th Annual Convention & Trade Show

October 23–25 Washington State Fairs Association Annual Convention

December 7–10 SLA Exhibitor’s Lounge

Sheraton Dallas • Dallas, TX

Paris Hotel Las Vegas, NV

Red Lion Hotel • Pasco, WA

November 12–15 Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Annual Convention Heritage Inn • Great Falls, MT

November 17–21 IAAPA Attractions Expo

Paris Hotel Las Vegas, NV

December 12–14 Association of Iowa Fairs Annual Convention Airport Holiday Inn Des Moines, IA

Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL

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ASSOCIATION H ON THE EARIE

On The Earie Tom Powell, OABA News Ambassador

was happy to hear from Billy Orr, who had been executive director of the Mississippi State Fair for 27 years, that despite his recent retirement he will stay on to work with Rick Reno, who was named the new executive director on June 16, during the transition process. Officially, Orr will remain on the staff as the public relations director for the Mississippi State Fair Commission. I’ve known Orr and Reno for a long time; Rick more from when we were covering arenas and stadiums for Amusement Business. He managed the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, the Lane County Fair, Eugene, Oregon, the Crown Center, Fayetteville, NC and VenuWorks in Dodge City, Kansas. This is another date played by North American Midway Entertainment. Orr turned 81 on June 25. I called Mike Williams, former CEO of North American Midway Entertainment, for a comment about Orr, and without hesitation he said, “He’s the best.” Mike, who is now president of Farrow Finance, owned Farrow Shows before NAME. “I’ve known Billy since 1984 when we were first awarded the midway contract for that fair. He’s a real gentleman who hired us to do a job and then let us do it. He has built that fair every year with a staff of only five. I recall a time I gave a presentation at the Midwest Fairs convention in Miami and he and I went for a walk on the beach. At first he said he had never been on a beach and then he noticed the girls were topless and stammered, ‘Oh my God, we don’t have any topless beaches in Mississippi.’” It seems like only yesterday when I was walking the Deggeller Attractions midway at Salem, Virginia where Steve Broetsky, who now owns Frazier Shows with his wife, Julie, was concession manager for the show. As we all know, time flies and it was actually 14 years ago. Christine and I usually head to my birthplace of Scranton for our annual

H OABA ShowTime Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2014

vacation, where we make it a point to attend the annual National Ticket Company picnic as guests of Chairman Emeritus Ned Ludes. It was held at Knoebel’s Amusement Resort on July 19, the day after my 81st birthday. The Salem dates coincide and we often stop there for a visit since it is on our way, but not this year. I always say that relationships are one of the most important parts of being in any form of the entertainment business. That has proved to me to be so true over the years. I was happy when Manager Carey Harveycutter sent me a complete rundown on his July 2–13 fair without even being asked. Having been there many times and seeing the results that can be derived from a free gate, I have expounded on that point on many occasions. This year was no different, as the 27th annual event broke attendance records for the sixth straight year drawing a crowd of 340,000. I was delighted to receive a phone call from Dick Knoebel of Knoebel’s Amusement Resort during the National Ticket picnic which was held there July 19. Dick said we were missed and then put Ned Ludes, chairman emeritus of National Ticket, and two past presidents, Bob Yost and Earl Fera, on the phone. If it ever appeared I was partial to the folks at National Ticket, it may have been that I’ve been able to deal with the likes of those listed above, besides the ubiquitous Bill Alter, Timmy Timco, Bob Anderson, Bill Owen, Sue Nichols, Kenny Santora, and the late great Jack Conway in the past. When I first started attending that picnic many moons ago, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was always represented by Felix Salmaggi and Al Atkinson. Other attendees have included Bob Payne, Gary Chubb and Franklin Shearer from Hershey Park, and Pat Patterson and Fred Trump from the Bloomsburg, PA Fair, entertainers Pat Garrett and Suzy

Dalton, Johnny Hobbs, and Allied Insurance’s Hal Churns. We always said at Amusement Business that besides covering the industry, we were a vital part of it. I’m happy to say that Christine and I have been treated like family just about everywhere we’ve gone. Dennis Lynch and his wife, Jo Anne, have owned D. C. Lynch Shows since 1957, and made a good living from traveling mostly in South Dakota and Nebraska. In January, Dennis sold the show to a son, Mike. Another son, Dennis, has the food and concessions. “I even sold my 1948 pickup truck and 1948 Ranger.” But before selling, the Lynches were in London with Harry Murphy when they flew to Cork, Ireland and bought a Free Style ride that was manufactured in the Czech Republic. They say it looks like an Avalanche. Murphy brokered the deal. Lynch said South Dakota has a new ride law that was instituted July 1. “You have to get your rides inspected by an insurance company. They don’t have their own inspectors. Most of it is concerned with rider responsibility so it makes sense all around.” Rather than using many Pay-One-Price unlimited ride promotions, Lynch has been a staunch advocate of advance sales, which he has been doing for 50 years. “We’ve been very effective by distributing the tickets to chambers of commerce and other groups, but the trend is more to pay one price and we may have to switch,” he said. While he enjoys his time with the five grandchildren, Dennis Charles Lynch will never be far away from the carnival. Now 70, he said “I sell tickets, lay out the lot and drive, only it’s for free now. I don’t get paid for it. We’re a very close family and despite a lot of bad weather earlier this year, we’re fine.” Lynch is proud to have been chosen as one of the grand marshals for the August 21–September 5 Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island. It’s a well-deserved honor.

Jerry and Loretta Aldrich, Amusement Industry Consulting, Orlando, are auditors for the OABA’s Circle of Excellence program.

Joe Clair, Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, center, with Jim Glover, left, Amusements Plus and Hopkins Rides, and food concessionaire Lou Pacifico, The Meatball Factory. Sondra Stutzman, Showmen Supplies, is flanked by John Frantzis, Quassy Amusement Park, and Ed Conner, New England Parks Association.

Norb Bartosik, retired manager of the State Fair of California, chats with Nick Nicora, VP of Business Development for Ovation Food Services, Western Region.

Paul Serff, right, who was Director of Tourism for the State of Texas after a long stint at Hershey Park, visits with OABA Trustee Bill Johnson, A Fantasy Amusement Co.

After a bad slip and fall in his backyard, Jack Beebe of the National Showmen’s Association is doing well now. But he wrote, “I’m glad tonight I don’t have to drive Goliath’s (which he advertised as the world’s largest blood sweating hippopotamus) semi, set up the kiddie rides, manage Lew Newton’s floss trailer, and find out who tapped into our water hose, while there is a person in a suit with a clip board waiting outside.” I’m sure that sounds familiar to many of you, except for the part about Goliath. Please send news and photos to tomp@oaba.org, or call 615-319-1258. Have all great days, and God Bless. H

Scott Suchomski, manager of the Tennessee Valley Fair, is also a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard. With him is his wife, Paula.

John Prestianni, center, is the CFO at the Florida State Fair. With him from Zambelli Fireworks are Ernie Simmons, left, and Mason Meyer.

From left are Len Soled, Rides-4-U, Rick Reithoffer and Mike Lauther, Reithoffer Shows, and OABA Officers Tom Gaylin and Michael Wood.

Becca Martin and Diane Benoit travel with Sunshine Concessions, Spring Hill, FL.

James E. (Jim) Strates, Strates Shows, and his wife, Monica, are seen at one of the many industry conventions. SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

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H FEATURES

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the H-2B Worker

by Alan F. Sepanski, CLTC

ust temporary H-2B employees be offered health insurance by their employer? The short answer is probably yes. The following provides some of the basic considerations in answering this question. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also known as Obamacare, requires all individuals to have health insurance beginning in 2014. Effective January 1, 2015, large employers – those with 50 or more employees – must offer their full-time and full-time equivalent employees health insurance or face significant penalties. The PPACA defines that employer insurance must provide “minimum essential coverage” and it must be “affordable.” Here is an example of how the penalty works. If coverage is not offered or doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, and at least one employee buys insurance on their own through a government exchange and receives a subsidy, the employer is penalized. Just that one employee receiving a subsidy triggers a $2,000 penalty per employee on all employees above 30. If the company has 200 employees, the annual employer penalty is $340,000 (200 - 30 = 170 employees x $2,000). This is a harsh reality. The determination of the employees subject to the PPACA is complicated. To simplify, a full-time equivalent employee is one who works 30 hours or more for 120 days. H-2B workers

H OABA ShowTime Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2014

likely meet this test. As a result, affordable minimum essential coverage must be offered to be compliant. “Affordable” to all employees means their contributions to the monthly insurance premiums must not exceed 9.5% of the income of the lowest paid employee. As the employer, is it cheaper to not comply and incur penalties or comply and pay for insurance? There is more to the decision than that. The PPACA provides for the use of “waivers.” With proper use in the right circumstances, compliance is met, penalties are avoided and the total health insurance premium costs will most likely be significantly less than expected. The key is to thoroughly evaluate the employer’s circumstances and the corresponding options. It is advisable to have the strategy in place by October to be compliant on January 1, 2015. I have been in the insurance business since 1978. I am also one of only forty-six Licensed Insurance Analysts in the State of California and I have been a Licensed Analyst for more than twenty-five years. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or would like assistance in avoiding penalties and be in compliance with the many requirements of this new legislation. H Alan F. Sepanski, CLTC, Licensed Insurance Analyst 916.961.5078 • asepanski@aol.com

Why Join The OABA? W

FEATURES H

by Holly Swartz Vice President of Hitch-Hiker Mfg. and OABA Director

hy join the OABA? In a nutshell, I wanted more awareness of what was going on in our industry. I had seen an OABA publication back in 1994 at industry tradeshows and thought it was a great resource for knowing what was going on in our industry beyond my limited scope and exposure. I became a member to get that publication we now know as ShowTime magazine. I really loved reading the articles that included outdoor amusement business people from all over the United States and Canada. It made me aware of what a unique industry we are all involved with and see what was trending in different areas. This awareness was important because, as a manufacturer, what cus-

Your donations to this trade association also help eligible young people receive scholarships for college education, provide scholarships for industry safety seminars, and promote public awareness to the mobile amusement industry’s outstanding safety record. The OABA offers its members the opportunity to have a Quality Assessment Audit to see how your company measures up to industry standards. The top 10 percent are then recognized in the OABA’s Circle of Excellence program that many fairs see as a higher benchmark for quality and guest satisfaction. Now that I have a better awareness of what’s happening in the mobile amusement industry, I am also aware that the OABA ultimately unites showpeople, suppliers and manufacturers

tomers were demanding and what was affecting the amusement industry could directly or indirectly affect my business. I look forward to seeing pictures of the OABA Jammin’ Jamborees or showpeople proudly working. Seeing the photos of milestones, accomplishments and celebrations made me happy to be a part of such a great organization. A lot of those faces have become friends or acquaintances of both Jeff and I over the years. Shortly thereafter, I chose to step up and support the OABA with more than just with my membership. As a manufacturer, we know that advertising is necessary but not inexpensive in the OABA publications. The ShowTime magazine was a great way for me to advertise to many OABA members and share what our company was about and for them to see what was new for the food concession industry. As our company innovated change and moved forward, the ShowTime magazine was a well-read and sought-after reference for “movers and shakers” in the amusement industry and proved to be a worthy publication. Currently I am serving on the OABA board as a director and a member of the Membership Committee. I am hoping that people in this industry see that OABA membership itself has many benefits. The annual dues we pay helps to hire lobbyists and attorneys to help with issues. They also help pay for educational programs, communications and other member benefits.

across the U.S. and Canada to be a powerful, united voice for our industry to help ensure the legacy of the hard-working men, women and families that have been providing wholesome family entertainment for generations. Next year is a milestone for the OABA, as it celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary as the mobile amusement industry’s largest trade association. The OABA mission over the years continues to be: “TO PROMOTE THE PRESERVATION AND GROWTH OF THE OUTDOOR AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY THROUGH LEADERSHIP, ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION” Here are some questions to consider:

H What do you think the future of this industry will be if we don’t pull together on issues and concerns that come across our path that might affect you now or later, or the next generation of ownership? H Who will you turn to for help if the OABA was not here to lend a hand of encouragement, help provide education and scholarship opportunities? H Who will help preserve the deep heritage of what our families have worked hard for and earned? These are legitimate questions that the OABA just might be our answer! H

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H FEATURES

To Drop Or Not To Drop — That Is The Question By John Elio, C&C Amusements, Inc.

ecently my local news had another story of a slide tumbling over in the wind injuring the kids inside. This event is just another in a series of what has become a weekly recurring theme of inflatable accidents. Why is this happening? I think the answer can be found in the fact that this business has become one where we put too much responsibility in the hands of strangers. I started in the amusement rental business about 25 years ago. We went to the customer’s location with two attendants, stayed the required time — two to four hours — packed up and left. There were only a handful of companies doing this and the only inflatables available were air castles. As time went on, these bounce houses became combos, slides, rock walls, etc., different designs, functions, themes, and so on. They also got bigger and more complicated. In the last 10 years or so, the growth of this business has been phenomenal thanks in part to FEC’s. Inflatable attractions now cover a major area on the exhibit floor at IAAPA. I have also witnessed the insanity that has slowly invaded this industry. Anyone can buy a joust, bounce house, etc., obtain insurance, and presto, you are in business! Next, you drop it off at the customer’s location or public event, give them a quick lesson on safety and leave the entire operation in the care of the renter. That’s it. Some companies actually have people pick these up at their warehouse, leaving the responsibility of setting up to the homeowner. The customer signs the obligatory ironclad waiver, agreement or release, given a quick lesson on safety, and the inflatable rental company is off the hook concerning liability. And I can’t count the number of times I have heard the phrase, “Hey, the homeowner’ policy will also cover us.” Can it get any better for making money? And, all of this with the complete blessings from our insurance companies. What have we missed? Let’s try a dose of reality and throw in some common sense. Does anyone in their right mind really think that a parent is going to stand in front of your inflatable for how many hours or days? Do you really think they are going to remember or even care about the rules you gave them? We have all seen overloaded bounce houses with no supervision, or 15 children and adults on top of a slide. I have even witnessed eight inflatables dropped off at a school with the renting company not

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even leaving one person from their company at the location. All responsibility was shifted to the school. The argument I hear from those who do drop offs? We do hundreds of these a year without an incident, so we must be doing something right. I think they should count themselves very lucky. What can you drop off? Apparently defying more common sense, insurance companies will allow you to drop off anything and everything in your inventory that they insure. Sumo wrestling, no problem; a joust, no problem. Hey, the customer read the rules before signing; they now know what to do. Surprisingly, it is not only the insurance companies that have seemingly lost their way, local authorities have also conceded to this method of doing business. I can name at least one state that will allow you to drop off anything (including a roller coaster) at a private residence as long as all the paper work and inspections are in order, and the renter is properly trained. How ironclad are these hold harmless agreements we all hold so dear? With a thousand hungry lawyers out there advertising to injured parties, nothing is ironclad. They will find experts and loop holes in making their case. They also have a lot of basic ammunition to use. For instance, a parent, guardian, etc., cannot sign away anyone else’s right to sue, including children. Also every person at that event can sue and an injured child can seek redress and restitution up to age of 18 or 21. Even if you are 100% in the right, defending yourself will always run in the thousands of dollars. And, homeowners’ policies do not cover business activities. There are so few rules and regulations attached to our policies that we now have companies who have also jumped on the bandwagon. Your local DJ, picnic catering companies, tent renters, party rental suppliers, picnic groves, table rental supply companies, etc. They all have at least one air castle. What is the bottom line in all of this? Draw your own conclusions. There are 20 visits to the emergency room for injuries on inflatables each and every day (source ABC News). Is it time to take a step back and evaluate your operation before you make the next newscast? Are your customers safer in the hands of your trained employees or from strangers who couldn’t care less? Are those $100 all day drop offs really worry free? It isn’t pleasant watching a giant slide blowing down the street which was probably left in the care of someone who couldn’t care less about wind speed, or the thunderstorms that were just over the horizon. H About John Elio: John Elio started in this business after retiring in 1988. He worked stick joints and had a high striker, mainly doing street feasts in NYC. He purchased a used moon walk soon after, as his business started to grow. From day one, John’s company has never placed a piece of interactive equipment at a customer’s location without attendants supplied by them. John is one of the founding members of Responsible Operators of Amusement Rentals (ROAR), which is dedicated to the total safety of their customers and a long-time member of the OABA.

FEATURES H

Showmen Supplies and Fabbri Group Sign Ride Parts Distribution Deal

howmen Supplies, a lighting and electrical products distributor for the amusement industry, has reached an agreement with the Fabbri Group, an Italian manufacturer of amusement rides, to be the exclusive distributor of Fabbri amusement ride parts for the United States and Canada. Scott Siefker, Vice President of Showmen Supplies, said, “Because our core business already revolves around the logistics of component part supply, we felt we were ideally suited to managing a ride parts distributorship to service Fabbri ride owners.” When asked what would be the greatest benefit of this deal, Siefker stated, “We have 48 years of customer service experience in the amusement industry. This will be a great advantage to owners of Fabbri equipment whose business depends on having their rides in operation and not out of commission while they wait for shipments to arrive from Europe. We know that when they call they need replacement parts to be in stock and shipped quickly and we have a great history of doing exactly that.” Founded in 1966 by the Siefker family, Showmen Supplies has long been servicing the amusement industry by providing specialty lighting, electrical, power distribution and ride parts from their facility in La Porte and from their mobile warehouses that travel across the country to service major fairs and carnivals on site. Along the way, their business and inventory has evolved in response to the industry’s needs. For that reason,

Scott Siefker reasoned that, “handling ride parts was a natural expansion for us.” So far, customer response to the new venture has been very positive. Mark Siefker, Vice President of Showmen Supplies, related that, “A few of our customers who are aware of our agreement with Fabbri have shown a great deal of excitement about having a more local source for critical components. Especially with our track record of timeliness and customer satisfaction.” Last month, Showmen Supplies acquired the existing USbased Fabbri parts inventory from Amusement Sales, Inc. and has embarked on an expansion of that inventory to have the most commonly sought parts readily available to Fabbri ride owners. Confronting the task now before them, Scott Siefker said, “We’ll have lots of work to do in expanding our parts database, learning the equipment functionality, and familiarizing ourselves with new mechanical systems but I know we’re up for the challenge and will do a great job for our customers.” H For more information contact Brad Garz, Marketing & Creative Services, Showmen Supplies 1500 Genesis Drive, La Porte, IN 46350 phone 219-362-5286 ext. 291, email marketing@showmensupplies.com website www.showmensupplies.com SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

H FEATURES

WHAT

DOES the OABA Do For

YOU?

by Tom Gaylin III OABA Second Vice Chair

(Good Question!)

esides the obvious — advocating on behalf of the mobile amusement industry, AD&D insurance, discounts with suppliers and manufacturers, discounts at trade shows, and communications through a monthly publication and the internet — for almost 50 years, the OABA has been the voice of this industry. I first joined the OABA in the early 1970’s and, like the majority of our members, did not become that involved. My greatest accomplishment was becoming a “Five-O” representative for the State of Maryland, and that was about it. I disagreed with many of the association’s decisions and direction by the board. However, I knew the next generation of family was going to be in this business…so I started thinking about the greater good for the future of this industry. As is the case with all associations, the direction and policies of the group are the direct results of the needs of its membership. The more engaged the membership is, the more positive the results will be for all members. The better the results are for all members, the better perception they will have for their trade association. It’s simple; if you become involved you can make a difference. So, why this trade association? Because the OABA is the only trade association that represents the entire mobile amusement industry,

H OABA ShowTime Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2014

looking to protect the rights of small, family businesses by monitoring regulations and legislation at the local, state and national levels. There are multiple ways to become involved with the OABA. Become a Show Representative, ask to be a member of a committee, a participant in educational webinars, help by participating in fundraisers such as the Contribution Fund and Jammin’ Jamborees, or put your name in the hat to become a director. Another way is a simple call to OABA President Bob Johnson to let him know what’s taking place in your “neck of the woods.” So, become involved. Become engaged. Roll up your sleeves and make a difference! The amount of effort that you put forth will directly benefit the entire mobile amusement industry. “EFFORT = RESULTS.” So don’t remain part of the problem; become engaged and help create part of the solution! My involvement in the OABA has created lasting friendships and networking that have expanded my insights. I have also received an extraordinary education in multiple situations that I did not know even existed. No amount of money can buy the experiences I have encountered serving our trade association. If I can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to call me at 443-463-8181. H

ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS

Jammin’ Jamborees

Photo Gallery

PROGRAM

Father John Vakulskas Retires

2014 OABA Jammin’ Jamboree

OABA Jamborees are fun, exciting and entertaining. They provide an opportunity for everyone on the show to get together and have a great time while doing some good for the OABA.

2014 OABA Jammin’ Jamboree Schedule

A farewell Mass conducted by Father John.

Father John serves Communion at his final Mass.

SLA President Dale Merriam, along with his wife Alicia, presented a plaque to Father John honoring his 45 years of ministry to showpeople.

Father John’s three parishes hosted a wonderful dinner for their pastor.

Twentieth Century Rides Brownsville, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 5 PBJ Happee Days Shows Marion, AR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 6 Skerbeck Bros. Flushing, MI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 17 Butler Amusements – Lance’s Unit Sacramento, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 14 A Fantasy Amusement Co. St. Charles, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 15 West Coast Amusements Red Deer, AB, Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 15 Butler Amusements – Mick’s Unit Turlock, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 16 West Coast Amusements Vermilion, AB, Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 23 NAME/All Star Amusement Louisville, KY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 19 T. J. Schmidt & Co. Southgate, MI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 27 Rosedale Attractions Upper Marlboro, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 3 Powers Great American Midways Concord, NC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 10 NAME/Mid America Shows Centreville, MI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 17 Thomas Carnival Ft. Smith, AR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 21 NAME/Astro Amusements Tyler, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 25 Wright’s Amusements Winnie, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 29 Goldstar Amusements DeRidder, LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 5 Mitchell Bros. & Sons Baton Rouge, LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 29

2014 OABA Jammin’ Jamboree Totals

West Coast Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,000 Butler Amusements - Lance’s Unit . . . . . . . . 10,176 A Fantasy Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,145 Enjoying the festivities with Father John were Dale and Alicia Merriam and OABA Sr. VP Al DeRusha and his wife, Marlene.

Twentieth Century Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,139 Skerbeck Bros. Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,638 PBJ Happee Days Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000 TOTAL

$52.098

SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS

Jammin’ Jamborees continued Butler Amusements, Lance’s Unit – Sacramento, CA

The Boyer family, from left, son Nolan, mom Jill, sons The live auction guys were Sean Butler, left, and Cannon and Kris, with dad Lance. Peter Scarbaro.

Thanks to Bobby Ellis for the use of his beautiful water race game.

Lance Boyer in action!

It was a beautiful night for water racing.

Recalling the good old days were two veteran showmen, Kurt Vomberg, left, and Sam Johnston.

The West family, from right, dad Bob, mom Trudy and son Adam with his fiancé Debraun Ellis. The big date is set for December 4!

The balloon peddler, Byron Mabe. Buy a balloon, pop it and win the cash prize.

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More live auction items. Having fun were Sean Butler and pretty Brandy Harrington.

Shannon Truax and Tayler Merten holding two of Sue Nichols’ paintings. Thanks to Sue who donates many of her works each year to the OABA auctions.

Selling the Jell-o shots were Ron Quint and Susan Hill.

West Coast Amusement, Bobby & Wendy Hauser’s Unit – Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Ready to be dunked is 30-year WCA employee Buzz. He’s the HR director on the show.

Wendy Hauser pictured with Kathy Anderson who celebrated her birthday and was serenaded at the Jamboree.

Posing for the OABA camera were future OABA members – the WCA kids.

Conducting the live auction were, from left, Clyde Sokugwa, Al DeRusha and Kathy Anderson.

Selling the tip boards were “Stitch” and Lynda Anderson.

Working the silent auction is Jamila M’Hamed.

Darcy St. Pierre was the highest bidder for this vodka-filled hockey stick. What a great gift!

Running the refreshment center were Dan DiPalo and Francis O’Quinn. The Hausers presented a gift to the Jamboree dinner chefs, Bruce Lee and Bruce Gilles.

Bobby Hauser pictured trying out the pie throwing board. Look out, Bobby, here comes a pie!

Al DeRusha pictured with Jaclyn Benson. Thanks to the Bensons for their help with the Jamboree! SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS

Jammin’ Jamborees continued Butler Amusements, Mick’s Unit – Turlock, CA The Johnston family, from left, Jeff, his wife Louise, and son Brody.

Mick & Kris Brajevich pictured with Brooke Bernath. Brooke is an OABA scholarship recipient and is so thrilled!

The topic of discussion, H-2B foreign guest workers, from left, Michael Eggman, candidate for Congress (CA 10), visits with Lisa Bogue, Mick Brajevich and Rich Byrum. Mick is an OABA director.

A fun event is to buy a giant Hershey bar, put your name on it, and when all are sold they’re unwrapped for winners of some great prizes! Louise Johnston and Heather O’Dowd ran the booth.

Keeping everyone in good spirits were Robert Easly and Sally Shaffer. Posing for the OABA camera were Kris Brajevich and Al DeRusha. Thanks to Kris and her Jamboree committee for a fun night.

Play the water race for prizes. Helping out are Savannah Bogue and Cindy Mills.

H OABA ShowTime Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2014

The lemonade stand served as a good refreshment center.

ASSOCIATION H PHOTO GALLERY

Photo Gallery Ventura County Fair

Western Fairs Assoc. Annual Open House at the California State Fair, Sacramento

OABA Chairman Chris Lopez, Frank Kastl, Jr. and OABA First Vice Chair Michael Wood exchange stories on the midway at the Ventura County Fair.

Attendees included fair members, service members and other industry attendees.

OABA Visits With Members of Congress for H-2B Program

Pictured from left, Rick Pickering, CEO CA State Fair; Lance Boyer, Butler Amusements; and Norm Bartosik, Senior Consultant, Ralf Anderson & Associates.

Retired park and carnival owner Sam Johnston, left, visits with WFA Executive Director Steve Chambers.

Pictured from left, Matt Cranford, San Mateo County Fair; Sarah Cummings, Sonomo-Marin Fair; and Rich Byrum, Butler Amusements.

Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina shared stories of selling corn dogs for the Jaycees at his local fair with OABA First Vice Chair Michael Wood, right, and OABA Director Andy Deggeller, left.

Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL) and Bob Johnson discuss the importance of the H-2B program to the mobile amusement industry.

Pat Kress, 2014 WFA President, conducted the live auction with proceeds going to the WFA. SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS

Contribution Fund 2014 OABA Contribution Fund Program Participants

PROGRAM

BRONZE • Get Your Contribution Fund Tickets Now • This is deductible as a business expense

OABA Contribution Fund Program

THE OABA’S CONTRIBUTION FUND offers three different plans to meet your show’s contribution to the OABA and in turn rewards the show and concessionaires for these donations.

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE? You will be given the opportunity to receive cash prizes for your contributions to this program and help the OABA protect the carnival industry.

WHAT IS IT? Fund-raising for the OABA has always been based on the generosity of its members and depends on members to pay their fair share, the theory being that the organization belongs to the members who raise relevant issues and in the belief that they will also underwrite activities. Support and participation of enough members will provide the revenue necessary to continue and improve on membership services.

HOW IS IT HANDLED? This OABA program advises member carnivals to collect funds from all office-owned and independent concessions and rides, side shows and arcades. When the show owner collects the money, they need to give or complete a receipt. The show or concessionaires then send the receipts to the OABA office, which will be eligible for monthly and annual incentive prizes. Please note that it is important to include your phone number on your receipt, as we want to be able to contact you when you win!

WHAT IS THE MONEY USED FOR? The funds collected for this program are earmarked for legal, legislative and lobbying issues. Also, funds are used to continually upgrade member services. CAN’T I JUST CONTRIBUTE? Sure, but then you lose out on the opportunity to participate in winning cash incentives.

SEND IT ALL IN! Funds are solicited and contributed in the name of the OABA. Once money is collected, please send it monthly to the OABA office in form of a check or money order. You may check ShowTime magazine where the contributions and monthly winners in each plan will be published monthly. H

Bronze Plan

Contribution from Concessions & Rides $5.00 per event Monthly drawings April-October Final drawing in February First Prize $300 First Prize $3,000 Second Prize $200 Second Prize $2,000 Third Prize $100 Third Prize $1,000

Calkins Midways Ava Holtz Julia Holtz Kathy Holtz Chuck & Lynn Waterman Crabtree Amusements Marina Carraza Karen Gibson Melissa Kibby Pat Martinez Amber Nemeth Barrett Nemeth

2014 OABA Contribution Fund Ray Cammack Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,895 Powers Great American Midways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,410 Reithoffer Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,770 Frazier Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,730 Deggeller Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,040 NAME/Astro Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,050 Luehrs’ Ideal Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,600 Strates Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,665 NAME/Mid America Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,540 Rainbow Valley Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,530 Poor Jack Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500 NAME/All Star Amusement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,220 NAME/Amusement South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,160 S&S Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,060 Rosedale Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,044 Calkins Midways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Showmen’s League of America-St. Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Elliott’s Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Doolan Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625 Crabtree Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470 A Fantasy Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 TOTAL $64,429

Silver Plan

Contribution from Concessions & Rides $10.00 per week Monthly drawings April-October Final drawing in February First Prize $400 First Prize $4,000 Second Prize $300 Second Prize $2,000 Third Prize $200 Third Prize $1,000 Bronze and Silver Plans: If the carnival contributions exceed $5,000, 2015 OABA dues are waived for carnival.

Gold Plan

Contribution from Concessions & Rides $5.00 per day Monthly drawings April-October Final drawing in February First Prize $500 First Prize $5,000 Second Prize $400 Second Prize $2,000 Third Prize $300 Third Prize $1,000 Gold Plan: If the carnival contributions exceed $10,000, 2015 OABA dues are waived for carnival.

H OABA ShowTime Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2014

Brittany Nemeth Jackie Nemeth Jennifer Nemeth Madison Nemeth Paul Anthony Nemeth Paul Nemeth Paul’s Concessions Cas Sheridan Patrick Sheridan Philip Sheridan Deggeller Attractions Candy Anderson Any Name Jewelry

July Drawing Winners BRONZE

Chuck & Lynn Waterman Calkins Midways $300 Dale & Sharon Negus Deggeller Attractions $200 Wayne Hinson Rosedale Attractions $100

SILVER

Nick Douglas NAME/Mid America Shows $400 Denise Ryals A Fantasy Amusement Co. $300 K. Elliott Elliott’s Amusements $200

GOLD

Joyce Hutchins Ray Cammack Shows $500 Tom & Jeanne McDonagh Ray Cammack Shows $400 JoAnne Leavitt Ray Cammack Shows $300

Barrett’s East Coast Foods – Dennis Rowland California Boys Brandon Concessions – Alex Brandon CF Variety Beverly Chapman Chen – Name Art Chen – Pictures Cypress Enterprises, Inc. – Jamie & Andy Deggeller DEA Games – Andy & Jamie Deggeller Deggeller Attractions Deggeller Foods Dizon Food FABCO – Jason & Angela Floyd Fairplay Games – Dale & Sharon Negus Jeremy Floyd Gail’s Face Painting Gone Country Heidi & Wendell – Raiders Chris Hopp Hot Stuff & Co. – Bonnie Jacobson Kat’s Quarters Thomas Lauther Little Richards LT’s Airbrush M&D Rides – MacNeill & Deggeller Rob Myers Anthony Oaks PB3 – Paul Bury Porky’s BBQ R&A Concessions Raiders – Heidi & Wendell Gilcrest Robbeloth Concessions Robert’s Concessions – Paul & Nancy Russell Foods – Jay Russell Stuart Confections T&T Concessions Teacups – Heidi & Cliff Elsperman Upsplash Doolan Amusement Company Abigail Doolan Heidi Doolan John Doolan Michael Doolan Sean Doolan Tina Doolan Frazier Shows 3 G’s Blazen Enterprises

Broetsky Equipment Broetsky Foods Andrea Broetsky Ashley Broetsky Bryan Broetsky Cash Broetsky Jan Broetsky Jaxon Broetsky Julie Broetsky S.P. Broetsky S.T. Broetsky Steve Broetsky Frazier Shows Garfield Miller Garry Miller Ginny Miller Carlos Ramirez Jaxon Scales Adam Schrum AJ Schrum Betsi Schrum Schrum Enterprises Barb Sloan Larry Sloan Tobias Entertainment Tobias Sky Andrea Tobias Dylan Tobias Emma Tobias George Tobias Georgie Tobias NAME – All Star Amusements Pat Blomsness Beverly Chapman JPB, Inc. Libbertts Concession Christian Lopez Jason Marotta Dave & Tasha Potopas Mike O’Connor Carl Waggoner Rainbow Valley Rides Lorraine Kedrowicz Reithoffer Shows – Blue Unit Tony Albanese Gary Alberry Mike Bronchik Wesley Burnett Ray & Patty Hrudra Jan Husted Michael Lauther Shelby Lauther Jimmy LeBaron Nicole Popovich Beau Pugh Bob Pugh Rick Reithoffer Mario Rojas Dave Rothstein

Shelby Royal Louie Rucubo Paul Smith Richie Stafford John Stoorza Robert Vinson Rosedale Attractions Michelle Farrow Barbara Gaylin Jason & Joe Gaylin Tom Gaylin Wayne Hinson Susan Shreve S&S Amusements Andrew & Britt’s Novelty Andrew’s Balloon Andrew’s Blockbuster Andrew’s Fishy Fish Andrew’s Waterrace BAJ’s Bottle Up BAJ’s Cork Gun BAJ’s Poster Britt’s Basketball Britt’s High Striker Britt’s Long Range Butch’s Balloon Butch’s Bebe Gun Butch’s Duck Butch’s Fish Butch’s French Fry Butch’s Fry Butch’s Kiddie High Striker Butch’s Skeeball Elsie’s Lemonade Jimmy’s Break a Bottle Jimmy’s Gun Ball Jimmy’s Long Range Jimmy’s Shark Jimmy’s Sponge Bob Jimmy’s Tubs Josh’s Novelty Larry’s Balloon Larry’s Bebe Gun Larry’s Bowler Larry’s Fish Larry’s Goldfish Larry’s Machine Gun Larry’s Rollover Larry’s Whack a Mole Mary’s Jewelry Michael’s Cotton Candy Michael’s Family Bust 3 Michael’s Family Diner Michael’s Family Miniball Michael’s Family Ring Toss Michael’s Family Waterrace Michael’s French Fry Michael’s Funnel Cake Michael’s Ice Cream Michael’s Ring Toss Paula’s Pretzel

Princess Pizza S&S Monkey Maze Vince’s Steak Skerbeck Bros. Shows Tim & Cindy Koleff

SILVER

A Fantasy Amusement Co. Jeff Lapin Denise Ryals Elliott’s Amusements Bob Cook K. Elliott Stephanie Ianni Dianne Williams Luehrs’ Ideal Rides Chris & Kristin Atkins Clair’s Classic Foods – Joe & Jean Clair First Class Attractions – Andy & Lorelei Schoendienst Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, Inc. Oliver C. Atkins, Inc. – Chris & Kristin Atkins Andrew Schoendienst, Jr. Powers Great American Midways Amy Albert Balliet Bear Corl Dave Debbie East Coast Air Ruthie Evans Steve Ianni Janas Jason Brad Klingenhymer Chris McGuire McKnight Mike Mythic Pam PGAM Eddy Powers Raymond Willie Ryan Chris Sherbert Jeremy Thomas Ron Thomas Tracy Thomas Tomlinson Brad Urwin Piers Weston-Burt NAME – Mid America Shows Randy Bertram CISCO

Gary & Lori Crabtree Ray DeFrates Nick Douglas Amy Huston Blake Huston Cooper Huston Danny Huston Diane Huston Lucy Huston Richard Huston Main Street Grill Troy Meadows Michiana Facepainting Justin Peperak RANN Sales – Ray DeFrates Eldon Runyan Chaudry Sattar – MJSS Ent.

GOLD

Ray Cammack Shows Jim Bradshaw Bradbury Family Bradbury Kids Brian Bradbury Jacqueline Bradbury Matthew Burton Nathan Burton Kincaid Dwyer Joyce Hutchins Ashley Kastl Cameron Kastl Savannah Koehl Joseph Lewis Vanesa Lewis Lopez Concessions Tanner Lopez Tom & Jeanne McDonagh Bill Morton Burt Morton Carrie Morton Deborah Morton Ashley Murray Bobby Ousey Emmett Ousey Hailey Ousey Kate Ousey Kirsten Ousey M.J. Ousey Mary Ousey Mike Ousey Jayce Pacheco Dominic & Kim Palmieri Ethian Perez Ben & Joy Pickett Andrew Schoendienst, Jr. Steve VanderVorste

SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

Experienced

Industry Leaders Wanted

he OABA is now accepting applications for any member of this trade association, going into its 50th year representing the mobile amusement industry in February. The Association is governed by a Board of Directors who direct and control the policies and programs of this trade association. Each Director serves a two-year term and has a fiduciary duty to be loyal to the association, to act in its best interests, to avoid conflicts of interests, to maintain the confidentiality of critical board information and to avoid utilizing the office for personal gain. There are a total of 24 Directors and two Alternate Directors representing all segments of our membership categories. In addition to the Directors, the OABA Executive Committee or Officers acts in the absence of the board and has financial responsibilities, as overseen by its Treasurer and directs the President/CEO. Directors may serve up to five consecutive two-year terms, beginning with their election by the membership at the OABA’s Annual Meeting held in February. The OABA holds three scheduled board meetings per year; two take place at industry conventions and the third takes place in the month of April at a location chosen by the Chairman. OABA committee involvement is mandatory for all board members. This year’s Nominating Committee is chaired by First Vice Chair Michael Wood and comprises Trustees Jeff Blomsness, Mike Featherston, Bill Johnson, Guy Leavitt, Andy Schoendienst, and Third Vice Chair E.J. Dean, along with OABA member-at-large Brad Schroder, who was appointed to this committee by the Chairman. Contact the OABA office at 800.517.6222 or any member of this Nominating Committee should you have an interest in serving on the board and would like to receive an application. All applications must be received by November 7, 2014. Applications submitted in 2013 will be considered once again by this year’s Nominating Committee. H

2015 Memberships Sold Niki Skerbeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Skerbeck Bros. Shows Andrew Schoendienst, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Luehrs’ Ideal Rides Doug Burtch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 T. J. Schmidt & Co. Carly Skerbeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Skerbeck Bros. Shows Michelle Farrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Rosedale Attractions Patti Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 NAME/Mid-America Shows TOTAL 173

SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS H REGULATORY UPDATE

State Legislative Issues ILLINOIS Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (Public Act 098-0774) on July 21, 2014, which will go into effect January 1, 2015. The law bans criminal history checks in the private sector until after an applicant is deemed qualified for the job or a condition offer of employment is made.

H The Act does not apply to positions where employers are required to exclude applicants with certain criminal convictions due to federal or state law, a standard fidelity bond or equivalent is required and an applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s criminal history would be relevant, or employers employ individuals licensed under the Emergency Medical Services System Act. Amusement ride owner/ attendants must still comply with criminal background investigation as required by statute.

H OABA ShowTime Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2014

NEW YORK (Note: Placed in error under State of Connecticut last month) Assembly Bill 4735, and similar Senate bill S7846, sponsored by Assemblyman Perry, co-sponsored by Gottried, Clark, Galef and Weisenberg, has passed in the 2014 legislative session and has been signed by the Governor. This bill requires operators of petting zoos to maintain hand washing or hand cleansing facilities for persons attending such petting zoos within no more than fifty feet of the exit from the petting zoo area; and requires other public establishments featuring animals that patrons may

reasonably come in contact with to provide hand washing or hand cleansing facilities.

NORTH CAROLINA HB 1051, Admission Tax law that affects fairs, festivals and amusements was signed into law by the Governor on May 29. The actual admission tax does not go into effect until January 1, 2015. There are many questions regarding implementation of this tax and how it affects non-profit 501(c)(3) fairs. Bess Brinkley with Brinkley Entertainment, an associate board member of the NCAAF, worked with Bonnie Holloman, Executive Director of NCAAF, to try and exempt agricultural fairs and festivals.

While this tax won’t take effect until January 1, 2015, each fair will have to apply for a sales and use tax number via a BR-150 form, which is on the state’s website. Also, when the sale of ride tickets or wristbands are sold separately, after the patron pays for admission (and is taxed 4.75%), this tax is not

collected. However, if it’s sold at the admission gate to the fair, it is taxed. As a part of NC Sales Tax, this tax of 4.75% is also subject to county tax, thus making it 6.75% in most counties. The OABA is continuing to research this new tax with the NCAAF for further clarification. H

DOT Regulatory News Congress Sends Ten-Month Highway Bill To President After much back and forth, the House and Senate each passed legislation that would provide funding for the Highway Trust Fund through May 31, 2015. The bill, which now awaits the President’s signature, does not include any increase in fuel taxes or other federal excise taxes or tolls on transportation. The legislation transfers some $10.8 billion in general funds into the HTF to keep the fund solvent through next May. The additional funds come from lengthening the time for employer pension plan contributions, increased customs user fees, and a $1 billion transfer from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. Although the bill will alleviate the immediate crisis in funding, it does nothing to solve the overall problem of how to generate additional necessary revenues for

investment in highways and bridges. The bill does not include any mandates to the Department of Transportation regarding driver hours of service, motor carrier safety regulations, or hazardous materials regulations. All of those items will be considered when the Congress takes up a longer term reauthorization of the federal-aid highway and transit program early next year. DOT Revises Guidance On Sample Collection For Drug Testing On July 3, 2014, the U.S. DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance issued a revised version of its Urine Specimen Collection Guidelines for the department’s drug testing programs. Changes to the guidance are set out in italics in the document, and most changes merely update references or clarify when actions are required rather than merely authorized. SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

ASSOCIATION H CIRCUS MEMBERS

From The Center Ring Connecting & Protecting the Circus Industry! Rodney Huey, RAH PR Strategies OABA Circus Media Consultant

he kids are back in school, fall and football are in the air, and the American circus still beckons one and all! The Big Apple Circus previews Metamorphosis at the Dulles Town Center on September 18 before making its Lincoln Center debut on October 17. Headliners include Jenny Vidbel with her performing animals, the Aniskin Troupe on the trampoline and trapeze, quick change artists Vladimir and Olga Smirnov and Francesco the Clown. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Legends spends September in California before moving on to Salt Lake City; Built to Amaze plays dates in Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan and Ohio; and Super Circus Heroes entertains in Oregon and Washington. Universoul visits Detroit and Milwaukee this month, while Circus Vargas appears in Citrus Heights and Roseville, CA. Cole Bros. Circus opens in Salisbury, MD on September 1, Kelly Miller Circus spends most of the month in Illinois, and Carson and Barnes continues its Midwest itinerary. The Big E Circus (without the insightful direction of retired Producer and OABA Trustee Wayne McCary) features Brian Miser as The Human Arrow, the Olate Dogs, the Rinny Family Jugglers and Ty McFarlan as Ringmaster. It’s all part of the Eastern States Exposition held each autumn in West Springfield, MA. The Circus Model Builders’ convention will also be held in Springfield, MA on September 10–17, followed by the Circus Fans Association of America’s convention in Dubuque, IA on September 17–21. Among the planned CFA events are a visit to the home of famed Ringling clown Felix Adler in nearby Clinton and a performance by Kelly Miller Circus. Seminars will be led by Circus World Museum Executive Director Scott O’Donnell and recent author and former circus artist Sarah Chapman. Ron “Toto” Johnson will be keynote speaker at the gala banquet, and an optional trip is slated for Baraboo, Wisconsin. The International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center, based in Baraboo, WI, recently inducted Dougie Ashton, Paul Wenzel, Chuck Burnes and Swede Johnson into its ranks. Additionally, rumor has it that ICHOF Executive Director Greg DeSanto has been hired as a clown consultant with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The St. Louis Arches traveled to Israel to participate in the Peace through Pyramids initiative with the Galilee Circus, an Israeli-based youth group comprised of Arab and Jewish youngsters. The Arches’ tour was unexpectedly extended when the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned

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flights into and out of Tel Aviv. In other Circus Harmony news, a grant from PNC Arts Alive funded the PNC Arts Alive Friday Fly Nights whereby participants may swing on a trapeze for $10 every Friday evening through September. Circus Juventas and the City of St. Paul are at odds over the youth circus’ plan to expand its 21,000-square foot facility to make room for new studios, shops, offices and a gymnasium. The city contends that the proposed expansion area is not safe to accommodate the 10,000-square-foot expansion. Founders Dan and Betty Butler have now set their sights on buying property and building a new 50,000-square-foot facility in the western suburbs. The American Youth Circus Organization and American Circus Educators combined Board of Directors named Master Lu Yi of San Francisco’s Circus Center as this year’s recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award. Yi was a performer and director of China’s celebrated Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe for 33 years. He joined the Circus Center as Master Teacher and Artistic Director in 1990, and has since trained hundreds of young circus hopefuls. The AYCO/ACE has also teamed with Circus Now to create an online survey to ascertain “the scope and nature of circus arts participation in North America.” Add your two cents at circusnow.org/ state-of-circus-survey. Tufts University is celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the arrival of the taxidermed Jumbo with the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue and an exhibition entitled “Jumbo: Marvel, Myth & Mascot.” The stuffed elephant was a gift to Tufts from P.T. Barnum several years after being killed in a railroad accident. Jumbo was prominently displayed on campus until destroyed by fire in 1975. Jumbo remains Tufts’ mascot, and his ashes are present at athletic events as a good luck talisman. To The Moon Productions has released a DVD version of World Circus Culture, a documentary by Angela Snow and Ian Issitt that follows four circus troupes through the competition at the 2010 International Festival du Cirque de Monte Carlo. The DVD may be ordered at worldcircusculturemovie.com. Paul Binder, Founder and former Artistic Director of the Big Apple Circus, has published his memoirs in Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion (and Other Uncommon Tales from the Founder of the Big Apple Circus) through AuthorHouse. Featuring a forward by Glenn Close and cameos from Robert DeNiro, Robin Williams and Paul Newman, the manuscript “balances the weird and the workaday, the curious and the commonplace, the exhilaration and the exhaustion

of life in the circus” as recounted by one of America’s foremost circus producers. Paul’s book may be purchased through Amazon.com. The Venice Circus Arena has been a thorn in the city’s side since Ringling vacated it in 1993. Three groups have approached the Venice City Council with proposals for its use: Tito Gaona’s Flying Trapeze Academy, Venice Circus Adventure Golf seeking a 36-hole miniature golf course; and the Venice Circus Arts Foundation, hoping to create a sports and entertainment venue. Who knows, maybe there’s still life

It’s been a year since Princess Stephanie of Monaco stepped in to save Asian elephants Baby and Nepal from euthanasia (based on inaccurate TB diagnoses) at the hands of the French government. Both pachyderms are safe, healthy and happy at the Royal Family’s Roc Agel Ranch where Princess Stephanie visits regularly and helps tend to Baby and Nepal. Don’t forget to purchase your OABA Animal Fund Camel Pin online at www.OABA.org. Monies from the sale of pins help fund OABA’s campaign to protect American circus’ right to present performing animals alongside their human partners. H

left in the defunct structure!

2014 Circus Fund Circus Producers Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000 John F. Cuneo, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Have Trunk Will Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Kathleen Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Zoppe Family Circus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Forepaugh-Lubin Tent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635 Bill Morris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Alliance of Professional Animal Exhibitors & Owners . . . . . . . . 500 Edward Limbach – in honor of Frank Robie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 National Showmens Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Bari L. & John E. Hart, Jr. – with appreciation to Jan & Bill Biggerstaff for Circus Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Circus Flora Staff & Performers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 OABA Tampa Circus Unit Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Edward C. Todd – in memory of Bob MacDougall & Pat J. Todd . . . . . . . . 200 George A. Hamid Tent 109, CFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Welde’s Big Bear Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Zerbini Family Circus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Ryan Henning, Hovey Burgess, Ian Garden Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Avic-Versi Creative, Jen Burge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Charles Bellatti – in memory of D.R. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Felix Adler-Paul Binder Tent No. 12, CFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Paul Gutheil – in fond memory of Jim Hamid, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Leonard Aylesworth Ring, Circus Model Builders Central PA . . . . . 100 Fr. Richard Notter – in honor of Ward Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Stephen A. Partyka – in honor of Wayne McCary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Robert J. Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 James B. Rittle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Wayne Scheiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Robert Faust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Paul Gutheil – in fond memory of Arthur Duchek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Dan Kroeger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Janeen Wilds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Misc. Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

To contribute to the Circus Fund, make your check payable and send to: OABA Circus Fund, 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Ste. 1045A, Winter Park, FL 32792

TOTAL

$12,050

It is important that we maintain this fund so we are able to hire professionals to assist with challenges such as legislation that threaten our members’ businesses. Please consider and make your contributions to this very important resource pool. Feel free to be creative such as matching dollars, innovative fundraisers, endowments and memorials, to name a few. Another option is to designate a percentage or daily amount of your ride operation to be set aside for this important fund.

Help the OABA maintain the right of Circuses and USDA licensed animal exhibitors to provide Americans with educational performances of exotic animals.

Contribute a minimum of $25 to the OABA Circus Fund to receive your NEW 2014-2015 Camel Pin Your contribution will be listed in the next issue of the ShowTime magazine. Donations of $50 or more will be listed in ALL issues of the campaign year. Make your check payable to: OABA Circus Fund and send it to: OABA, 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1045A, Winter Park, FL 32792 Special Thanks to: Ellian Rosaire, Big Cat Habitat Photo of Nomad the Camel taken by: Richard Czina SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

ASSOCIATION H CIRCUS MEMBERS

Worldwide Circus Summit 2015 Slated for “The Big E” Fairgrounds

~ Largest International Gathering of Circus Friends Ever Assembled ~

he “first ever” Worldwide Circus Summit 2015 (WCS 2015) will bring circus enthusiasts from around the world to the fairgrounds of the Eastern

Tomorrow” through seminars, workshops and roundtable discussions intended to honor the illustrious history of the circus, celebrate today’s circus, and

US-based organizations committed to the summit are the Circus Fans Association of America, Circus Historical Society, Circus Model Builders,

Windjammers Unlimited, American States Exposition, home of “The Big E” explore new horizons for the circus of Youth Circus Organization, American in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on tomorrow. Cole Bros. Circus will headline Circus Educators, World July 14–18, 2015. The Clown Association, summit, hosted by the Outdoor Amusement Circus Fans Association Business Association, of America (CFA) and Clowns of America supported by a growInternational, Circus ing list of circus-related Harmony, Mid-Atlantic organizations worldClown Association, wide, promises to be and Carousel Organ the largest international Association of America. gathering of circus The Monaco-based friends ever assembled. Fédération Mondiale du Participating organiCirque and France’s Le zations are expected Monde du Cirque have to hold simultaneous already signed on as inconventions, meetternational participants. ings, workshops and West Springfield is entertainment while conveniently located in enjoying circus perforcentral Massachusetts mances, concerts, exhiand accessible by bitions, special events highway, by rail and and socializing. through nearby interna“The circus knows tional airports. A wide neither geographical variety of accommodaboundaries nor time Cole Bros. Circus will headline the entertainment for the Worldwide Circus Summit 2015. Sealing the deal with a handshake as Cole Bros. Circus elephant Lulu looks on are Cole Bros. tions are available in periods,” explains Gary Ringmaster Chris Connors; WSC 2015 Founder Gary Payne; Cole Bros. Circus owner John the area. Each particiPayne, CFA PresidentPugh; and WSC 2015 Honorary Chair Wayne McCary. pating organization is elect and founder blocking hotel rooms for their respective of WCS 2015. “Circuses everywhere the circus entertainment during the members. RV camper hookups will be generate enthusiastic followings. The summit. Negotiations are underway for available on The Big E property. Worldwide Circus Summit 2015 will allow a youth circus to present public perforOnline registration began in late circus friends, supporters, enthusiasts mances on or near the fairgrounds. August. For more information, go to and fans from around the globe to share Other attractions will include a meworldwidecircussummit2015.com. For experiences while collectively celebratnagerie, historical side show acts and a press information contact Rodney Huey ing one of the world’s most popular live circus music concert by Windjammers at wcs2015news@gmail.com. H entertainment art forms.” Unlimited. The Circus Fans Association WCS 2015 will explore the theme “The Circus — Yesterday, Today and

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and the Circus Historical Society will each host a live auction of circus collectibles.

Capitol Update By Joan Galvin, OABA Government Relations Consultant

s I type this it is early August out for more information about the with the coalition to defend against this and we are all just catching our recent and disturbing delays at both the attempt to erode the rights of federallybreath after a whirlwind July on Vermont USCIS processing centers. The licensed USDA exhibitors and patrons Capitol Hill as everyone tried to cram result was some very direct questions to fully engage in, enjoy and experience too much into too little time before the leveled at the new Director of the U.S. animal attractions. We will renew our mad dash to the exits and the start of Citizenship and Immigrations Services efforts in September when Congress the five-week summer break! during his appearance before the House returns. We had a great DC fly-in with a few Judiciary Committee. We look forward In the meantime, some good news on OABA board members and President Bob to the results of this Congressional the animal rights front. As many of you Johnson walking the halls and talking inquiry and hope it sheds some light on are aware, HSUS and the ASPCA paid a to Members of Congress combined total of almost and staff about the need $26 million in damages for reliable access to H-2B as a result of settling Feld seasonal labor for our Entertainment’s (Ringling country’s fairs, exposiBros.) racketeering tions and carnivals — as charges against the activwell as the need to have ist organizations. While a more small businessHSUS was quick to brag friendly federal agency that their fines would be administering this seasoncovered by insurance, the al guest worker program. insurance companies were The bad news, at least quick to respond with a for the near term, is that resounding ‘NO WAY’, havCongress likely won’t ing previously informed be addressing the issue the activist organization until after the mid-term that the lawsuit damages elections. But the good were not covered. The news is very encouraging result — unsuspecting for our industry — almost donors are now on the Congressman Lee Terry of Nebraska shared stories of his younger days working at the without exception the hook to pay for HSUS’s local fair with Bob Johnson. staff and members we met deceit. Charity Navigators, with were familiar with one of the preeminent their hometown fairs and many even the mysterious delays and bureaucratic third-party groups that rate charitable took the time to share their own personobfuscation. organizations, has downgraded HSUS on al memories and experiences with us. On the animal front, we saw an their website. Most notably, Congressman Joe Wilson upswing in activity in Congress as the We hope that, as a result, more poof South Carolina reminisced about Senate attempted to advance two bills tential donors will see the light and inhis time selling corn dogs for the local impacting animal attractions. Both the stead give directly to local shelters and Jaycees, while Nebraska Congressman Captive Primate Safety Act and the spay/neuter programs where animals Lee Terry had his own stories about his Big Cat Safety and Protection Act were actually benefit from the contributions. youthful experiences working the games heard before the Senate’s Environmental Hope you all had great summer fairs on the midway with Thomas Carnival. and Public Works Committee. OABA as you go into September. H The fair and carnival tradition runs worked closely with our allies in the deep in America, and it is alive and well circus, zoo and motion picture comon Capitol Hill as it should be! munity to mount strong opposition, and Our efforts paid off in one very tangiseveral senators went on record opposble and somewhat unexpected way. Ohio ing the bills. OABA provided testimony Congressman Steve Chabot reached for the record and will continue to work SEPTEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H

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