September 2017
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Contents The Official Publication of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association
Features
Monsters of the Midway
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September 2017
ASSOCIATION 4 FROM THE OABA CHAIR Manufacturers and Suppliers Help Us 24/7
6 ASSOCIATION BUZZ Keep Safety Top Of Mind
8 ON THE EARIE Tom Powell reports on the industry’s shows, fairs, colorful show folks and amusing events.
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS 20 DOT REGULATORY NEWS State and Federal Legislation and Regulations
GOVERNMENT Features 21 INSIDE THE BELTWAY: A BUSY FALL AHEAD By John Ariale, Cloakroom Advisors – OABA’s Government Relations Team
15 PHOTO GALLERY The OABA catches members in action.
15,17 SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Rodney Huey follows circuses around the country.
Jammin’ Jamborees and Contribution Fund Drawing Winners
24 CAPITOL UPDATE
Facebook facebook.com/oabainfo 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 PUBLISHER|MANAGING EDITOR Robert Johnson 407.681.9444 H bobj@oaba.org EDITOR Dee Dee Alford 407.681.9444 H deedeea@oaba.org GRAPHIC DESIGN Avic-Versi Creative Jen Burge H 817.602.7254 H avicversi@att.net ADVERTISING SALES Dee Dee Alford 407.681.9444 H deedeea@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. 2017
CIRCUS MEMBERS 22 FROM THE CENTER RING
Twitter @oabainfo
Joan Galvin, Government Relations Consultant
Instagram @oaba51
Our Mission: To promote the preservation and growth of the
outdoor amusement industry through leadership, advocacy and education.
OABA OFFICERS
OABA TRUSTEES
CHAIR E. J. Dean 1ST VICE CHAIR Jay Strates 2ND VICE CHAIR Larry Yaffe 3RD VICE CHAIR Debbie Powers TRUSTEE 2016 Thomas J. Gaylin, III TRUSTEE 2015 Michael Wood TRUSTEE 2014 Chris Lopez TREASURER Mitchell Kaliff PRESIDENT Bob Johnson
OABA DIRECTORS Michael Brajevich Steven Broetsky Doug Burtch Tony Cassata Brad Dallman Andy Deggeller Michael Doolan Blake Huston Stacey Jamieson
Marc Janas Mary Johnson Michael Lauther Charlene Leavitt Ron Morris Lance Moyer Ben Pickett Rick Reithoffer Lorelei Schoendienst
Patrick Sheridan Scott Siefker Mary Chris Smith Greg Stewart Holly Swartz Rob Vivona
Mike Featherston-2013 Jeanne McDonagh-2012 Bill Johnson-2011 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 * Deceased
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Read with Smartphone Bar Code Scanner
* Billy Burr-1990 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
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ASSOCIATION H MESSAGE FROM THE OABA CHAIR
Manufacturers and Suppliers Help Us 24/7 E. J. Dean, OABA Chair 2017
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n this fast-paced world in which the mobile amusement industry operates, having a strong relationship to manufacturers and suppliers in our industry is an important part of being successful. Very rarely do we need emergency ride parts or supplies on a Tuesday evening; it is the unexpected (and primarily weekends) when we are trying to get that one last shot of making money before moving on to another town. Uniquely, many of our suppliers started by working in this industry, understanding those same concerns, and helping in any way to cater to those needs 24/7. But service and supply calls aren’t the only ones they receive. On various occasions, the OABA reaches out to our industry suppliers looking for their support, information or assistance when industry issues arise, and we can say we are very lucky to have them with us. Whether it is our Annual Meeting; or our H-2B Advocacy; or our Top Golf Fundraiser in Tampa; or the many OABA Jammin’ Jamborees held throughout the country, our manufacturers and suppliers support them both monetarily and with products to assist our causes. They understand the important role that the OABA plays in the industry and know that what we do to for the industry is equally vital as is selling a good product. As we put the final pieces together for the OABA’s Virtual Learning Center,
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we have reached out to suppliers asking for their financial support in getting this program off the ground. The responses have been great, not only in their willingness to make multi-year commitments to ensure the viability of the program, but in discussing their ideas for content needed that could better assist the industry. These aren’t only ride providers or insurance carriers dealing with safety related materials — they are also food and game-related suppliers who have the vision to see what developing classes can do for their clients as well. Those suppliers will receive special recognition from within the educational platform, and also in related advertisements, and with our board members. The program aims to reach out to all aspects of our industry, and we can’t thank the suppliers who have answered our call to help enough. As operators in this industry, it is our job to continue to build and foster these relationships by continuing to support them. Not only are the services they provide your business important, but the support these companies are making to better our entire industry needs to be recognized. So, the next time you place that emergency call hoping to pull off a miracle, take the extra second to thank those suppliers who go above and beyond for the entire mobile amusement industry. H
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2018
Memberships Sold Andrew Schoendienst
45 Show Ambassadors who sign up 25+ memberships receive complimentary OABA membership for appropriate category for the following dues year!
Luehrs Ideal Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TOTAL 45
CALENDAR October 11–14
ASTM F24 Meeting
Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale, AZ www.astm.org
October 30–November 2 PACE Ride Safety Seminar
Comfort Suites, Bloomsburg, PA gchubb@hersheypa.com
November 14–17
IAAPA Attractions Expo
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL www.iaapa.org
November 26–29
IAFE Annual Convention
Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, NV www.fairsandexpos.com
January 7–12, 2018 AIMS Safety Seminar
Hilton Galveston & San Luis Resort Galveston, TX www.aimsintl.org SEPTEMBER 2017 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H ASSOCIATION BUZZ
Keep Safety Top Of Mind Bob Johnson, OABA President
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s our Chair, E. J. Dean, points out in his Chair’s Message this month, our relationships with our manufacturers and suppliers are critical to the success of a carnival, circus, food/game concessionaire or independent ride owner. This is an industry based on relationships with our fairs, festivals and community events. And to ensure our success, everything must come together to provide fantastic games, great food and fabulous rides, with a lot going on behind the scenes prior to and during each event. This includes social media and advertising working with our event partners to maximize attendance and gross receipts. We take them for granted, but we also know our manufacturers and suppliers are our lifeblood to maximize our performance and insure we have happy guests who come back every year for more. Last month, with the tragic (as many of us saw on Facebook) accident and fatality at the Ohio State Fair, with one of the finest families in our industry and a founding member of the OABA, our hearts went out to those families involved in this ride accident and to the first responders and carnival employees who saw this occurring and were on the scene to attend to the victims. I must say, I was impressed with the quick reaction of KMG, who has manufactured some of the best spectacular portable amusement rides in our industry and around the world, to inform owners
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of certain models of the Fire Ball/Afterburner to shut them down immediately and to exclude other smaller, single trailer versions called the Freak Out. By the time you are reading this ShowTime, we will hopefully know the causes of this terrible accident and corrective actions that need to be taken around the world to fix this spectacular ride. It’s this quick reaction and specifying the exact models of this ride that give me, and hopefully you, greater respect for this company and the quality of its engineering team. Switching gears, having just glanced through IAAPA’s August Funworld, they feature some of the new rides and attractions around the world. What continues to catch my eye is the focus on virtual reality technology on many coasters that is enhancing the ride experience and providing new, guest-interactive thrills. We know this technology is not for all rides, but I can think of a few mobile coasters that VR would create a totally new experience for our riders. What do you think? In closing, as the Governor of Ohio, John Kasich, said after the ride accident on the opening day of the State Fair, “There are inherent risks associated with some of these amusement rides that patrons and parents must evaluate before getting on them.” We believe our ride manufacturers, ASTM F24 standards and good maintenance/inspection/operating protocols substantially minimize this risk. Safe travels, and please keep employee and patron safety top of mind, always! H
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ASSOCIATION H ON THE EARIE
On The Earie Tom Powell, OABA News Ambassador
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hen I wrote in a recent column that Bonnie Sugarman, not Bonnie Jacobson, was working with Deggeller Attractions, I didn’t realize that it would be opening up the possibility of resurrecting the life and times of Herman (Hymie) Jacobson of Royal American Shows. It was certainly a Freudian slip on my part as, it turns out, there are at least two Bonnie lassies who, over the years, have become acquaintances of mine. I have not been in touch with Bonnie Sugarman since Amusement Business shut down in 2006. But she is well known in the industry, serving as senior vice president of APA (Agency for Performing Arts) and is based in Nashville. She worked for 14 years with E. O. Stacy and Mike North at ICM (International Creative Management) before joining APA almost 25 years ago. Her many clients have included such luminaries as Fleetwood Mac, Robert Plant, Eddie Money, Boston, Judas Priest, Tanya Tucker, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Lee Greenwood. Her career started auspiciously with such super artists as Liberace, Tony Bennett, and Johnny Cash, for 34 years. Now we get to Bonnie Jacobson, a good sport if there ever was one. She has been on the road the last 30 years. She has had a food stand with Deggeller Attractions for the last 19 years and worked in the show office for the last 12. My wife, Christine, a former food concessionaire herself, and I used to see her at several spots when we had our farm in Starke, FL. One time when she was playing the Clay County Fair, Green Cove Springs and was short of help, (does that sound familiar?) Christine convinced two of her girlfriends to work for her. It was a blessing in disguise, as one of them was pretty bossy, to say the least. Maybe that was when Bonnie decided to cut back and play only one fair, Collier County in Naples. When I made my mistake and my wife, Christine, first noticed it, I felt
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embarrassed. Bonnie (Jacobson that is) noted on Facebook to Christine that she understood, and for me not to feel badly about what had occurred. I had always heard about Hymie Jacobson and others who had been with Royal American Shows, but so much time has passed there are few around anymore who recall these legends. I asked Jacobson if it would be all right to have a little fun with the faux pas and let others learn more about who her dad really was. She was all for it, and by telephone we took a trip down memory lane. Hymie was born on Aug. 16, 1905, in Philadelphia, PA. His dad was a butcher and his mom was a dress maker. He was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 33. Hymie and his wife, Ida, worked with a long-range shooting gallery on a carnival, and he then took a job as office secretary of Sam Prell’s World’s Fair Shows. At one time, Hymie and Ida owned a bar and bowling alley in Egg Harbor, NJ. They then went in with Maxey Tubis (another name from the past that I have often heard) on the Million Dollar Pier in Atlantic City. They had rides on the Pier in the 1950s, sold their part of the business in the Pier and moved to Miami, FL in 1957. Bonnie, who now lives with her younger sister, Karen, in Zephyrhills, FL, remembered that “Dad was offered a position in 1958 as concession secretary with the great Royal American Shows,” owned and operated by Carl Sedlmayr Sr., and his wife, Laura, and Carl Sedlmayr Jr. and his wife, Egle. Walter Devon was the show’s general manager and when he retired, Guy Gardner took that position. Jacobson pointed out that her mom had a Pan game on the show “which they played for money. The customers would throw a ball into the different colored pans for say a quarter, and there were odds where they could win back more quarters.” In his position as concession secretary, Jacobson served with the likes
of Whitey Weiss and Petey Andrews. During his tenure with Royal American, Jacobson, who was a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, also held the posts of secretary and treasurer of the prestigious Royal American Shrine Club. “People used to say he was almost an Einstein. He retired from the Royal in 1994, and at the age of 89 he could still do algebraic equations in his head. His nickname on the show was Moon Man because he could tell what the weather was going to be from looking at the moon,” said Bonnie. Asked about her dad’s hobbies, Bonnie said, “The Phillies were his team, and he loved wrestling. If he could watch wrestling on television for 24 hours straight, I believe he would have. He loved to check out the gold, silver and stock money markets. He stayed up to date always on current events. His favorite thing was when I’d say ‘Pop, what do you like to do?’ He’d always answer, ‘I do as I damn well please.’ Believe me, he was truly one of a kind.” Ida died July 28, 1972, and Hymie, Feb. 9, 1995. That would have been right about the time of the IISA trade show Gibsonton. Bonnie said her dad loved to hang around with the gang at the Greater Tampa Showmen’s Association. Some of his buddies included Hickey Culpepper, Ernie Wenzik, Larry Swanson, Mark Popovich, Don Pierson, Phil Rhindone, Dave Schwartz, Billy and Bobby Hasson. Bobby Hasson was instrumental in recommending him for the job with Royal. Asked what it was like to grow up on the Royal, Bonnie said, “It was great. We traveled on the train, which was unusual in itself and was always a lot of fun. We were normal kids growing up in a not so normal environment.” She recalled one time when she was the delegated baby sitter for her sister and they went to the swimming pool at the end of the
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Ricky Van Shelton, center, got together in Nashville at John A. Hobbs’s Restaurant and Bar with Mike Dubois, left, former manager of the Illinois State Fair, Springfield, and Tony Conway, Conway Entertainment Group. Conway is now managing the group, Alabama, and other major acts.
Veteran show painter Jimmy Gibbs, center, and his wife, Alisha, tour the trade show in Gibsonton with Billy Redgate. fairgrounds in Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada. “A storm came out of nowhere and Karen got hit by big hail stones. She cried that I was supposed to watch her. Karen and Laura Sedlmayr had a rock show and they would charge money for rocks they found on the side of the railroad tracks. I fell off the train once and I remember Karen dropping her crayons and falling to the floor from the upper bunk. She thought she was Mighty Mouse. We have nothing but wonderful memories of being on that show.” The legend of Royal American, Hymie Jacobson and others, including the famous exotic dancer, Gypsy Rose Lee, will last forever. It has lasted this long and continues to grow. Please send news to tomp@oaba.org, or call 615-319-1258. Have all great days, and God Bless! H
Sharon Popovich sent this picture of the gang from Reithoffer Shows on Father Mac Day at the Jefferson County Fair, Watertown, NY. Monsignor Robert J. McCarthy, 100, retired Carny Priest, was unable to attend, but the firemen brought the kids and Santillo’s provided a free lunch. From left are OABA Director Ben Pickett, Ray Cammack Shows; OABA Third Vice Chair Debbie Powers, Powers Great American Midways, who is also president of the Showmen’s League of America; and OABA Director Patrick Sheridan, Alamo Amusements. Jim Sinclair, right, Deputy GM of the Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul, gets together with Rick Frenette, who formerly worked there and managed the Ohio, Utah and Wisconsin State Fairs.
Also visiting John A. Hobbs (center) before she set up her New York New York Funhouse at the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, were Gloria Myers and Lucky Klinger.
Lou Pacifico, The Meatball Factory, is between food concessionaire Rene Piche, left, and Charlie Smith, Populous, who is a new OABA director.
From left are OABA Directors Niki Skerbeck, Skerbeck Entertainment Group; Doug Burtch, T. J. Schmidt Amusements, and Marc Janas, Powers Great American Midways.
From left are Becky and Archie (Hawk) Lidey of Tropical Amusements, Scottdale, PA and Riverview, FL, with Jeanette Gilmore, Smokey’s Greater Shows, Bangor, ME and Sarasota, FL. Hawk was 2003 president of the International Independent Showmen’s Association.
Harold Case, T. J. Schmidt Amusements, gets together at the trade show in Gibsonton with Pam Casper, who owns PJB Happee Day Shows with her husband, Tim.
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H FEATURES
Monsters of the Midway The electrocution of a toddler at a Kansas carnival offers a sobering reminder of the importance of proper bonding and grounding at outdoor installations. By Matthew Halverson Jul 21, 2017
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ust 15 months old, Pressley Bartonek was too small to play in the inflatable bounce house at the Evans United Carnival in Wichita, Kansas on May 12, 2017. So while her mother and older sister jumped inside, the toddler watched from behind a fence that surrounded the attraction. As she gripped the barrier, though, her eyes widened and her body went rigid. Mere seconds passed before her father was able to pull her free of the electrified fence — which investigators would later determine had come into contact with an uninsulated but energized portable light pole — but it was too late. Though Bartonek was revived at the scene, she died six days later. The Wichita Police Department declared Bartonek’s death accidental and declined to open a criminal investigation. But her electrocution bears a strong resemblance to what happened to a young boy 14 years earlier in
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Painesville, Ohio. Both incidents offer a sobering reminder of the importance of safe wiring practices and thorough inspections at carnivals and other transitory installations.
A Parent’s Worst Nightmare At about 10 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2003, the crowds at the Lake County Fair were thinning out. Among those still at this annual event 30 minutes northeast of Cleveland were eight-year-old Greyson Yoe and his father, who’d spent the last three hours together bouncing from
attraction to attraction. On their way out of the midway, the boy insisted on taking a spin on a bumper car ride called the Scooter. The elder Yoe relented. It was supposed to be a fun capper to the night, but within seconds of joining the children queued up alongside a metal handrail outside the attraction, Yoe called for help and slumped to his knees. By the time paramedics arrived, the boy was unresponsive. Although they were able to revive him after 25 minutes of resuscitation efforts, he
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never regained consciousness and died three weeks later. The cause of death: electrocution. While the Wichita Police Department took less than one month to rule out criminal negligence in the Pressley Bartonek case, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office took a much more deliberate approach to unraveling how Yoe died. And from the start, the investigation centered on Nicholas Rock. Eighty years old at the time, Rock had done electrical work for the Lake County Fair Board for most of his adult life — despite the fact he wasn’t a certified electrician. Chief among Rock’s responsibilities for the fair was hooking up the rides. Most of the attractions used temporary power, but the bumper cars were near an animal paddock full of livestock that could be agitated by a generator’s exhaust and noise. At the instruction of the representatives of the ride, Rock climbed into a bucket truck and tied the Scooter’s power cable directly into the 3-wire distribution system at the top of a nearby utility pole. (Even a Lake County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant charged with investigating the incident recognized the problem while standing on the ground below.) With the ride representatives’ assurance that the Scooter was independently grounded via an 8-foot copper rod that ran through its frame — and his mistaken belief the neutral line would carry any fault to the fuses on a nearby transformer — Rock left the cable’s green ground wire disconnected at the top of the pole.
Dolence told The Cleveland News-Herald in 2008. “It was an accident waiting to happen.” (Dolence did not respond to multiple requests from EC&M to discuss the case.) As noted in court documents, Dolence stated that if Rock would have connected the “free-hanging” green ground wire at the top of the pole to the ground rod at the base of the utility pole, it would have provided grounding, but not in compliance with standards. Or, barring that, he could have installed a new disconnect box capable of holding the appropriatesized fuse. Finding the origin of the fault current, though, would require a little more detective work.
Not only that, in violation of NEC Sec. 525.21(A), Rock failed to provide a main power disconnect for the ride. Four boxes were affixed to the base of the utility pole in question, but each was sized for a 100A fuse. According to court documents, the Scooter “required 157A,” so because he couldn’t replace these 100A fuses with a 200A fuse, he decided it wasn’t feasible or necessary to install a new disconnect box. Ralph Dolence was on-site within 24 hours of Yoe’s electrocution and was one of the first to review Rock’s work. With nearly 20 years of forensic investigation experience under his belt at the time, he didn’t need long to find the electrician’s mistakes. “Anyone qualified to be a licensed electrician or licensed electrical inspector takes one look at that setup and sees a variety of code violations,”
When Bryan Creason hears about an accident at a carnival, he asks himself a few questions before passing judgment on the operators: “Were they doing everything they could to prevent this,” he says. “Was this a freak accident? Or was this something that had to do with a lack of maintenance?” As the electrician for Ray Cammack Shows (RCS), he takes the industry’s reputation seriously. And while he’d prefer the general public not jump to conclusions about carnival safety based on one unfortunate incident, he’s not about to give shady owners a pass either. RCS puts on just nine shows per year — from the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California — but each is huge and most run for upward of a month. At times, Creason will tap
into the local utility power distribution system, but for the most part he relies on temporary power — a lot of temporary power. In Houston, where this year’s attendance topped 2.6 million, he routinely deploys a fleet of 17 generators, ranging in size from 220kW to 465kW. So it should come as no surprise that grounding is his biggest safety concern each time RCS’s massive caravan of RVs and flatbeds rolls into a city. (He’s also an instructor for the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers and teaches a class on the subject.) “I won’t put anything online until it’s properly grounded,” he says. That entails the NEC requirement for driving two 10-foot ground rods per generator, 8 feet into
The industry’s transitory nature means that while the equipment doesn’t change, the people signing off on it do.
Safety First
the ground and 6 feet apart, tying them together, and then bonding them to the generator. Then, at the source, he bonds the neutral and ground. What he won’t do — though it’s been asked of him multiple times in the past — is ground every ride. “We run a 5-wire system,” Creason says. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s dangerous to have a ground on every ride. You’re defeating the purpose of the central ground.” His thoughts on that topic in particular offer a window into the most challenging dynamic a carnival electrician can face: interacting with the local inspector. The industry’s transitory nature means that while the equipment doesn’t change, the people signing off on it do. “I once played a fair and had to rewire a ride to meet that city’s code,” Creason says. “When we moved to the next city, which was 60 miles away but in the same state, we had to rewire it back to way it was before to meet that city’s code.” That’s not to say he won’t respect the ruling of the AHJ, but he doesn’t hesitate to voice his frustration either. “Everything changes from state to state and municipality to municipality.” Dean Hunter has a different perspective on the amusement-ride inspection debate. He’s the Assistant Chief for Electrical Inspections in Minnesota’s SEPTEMBER 2017 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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Department of Labor and Industry, which oversees both permanent and traveling amusement rides that operate in the state. And where Creason sees the potential for maddeningly different interpretations of the same rules at each stop, Hunter sees the possibility for new violations. “One operation had rolled through 38 towns over the course of a winter and early summer by the time it reached us last year,” he says. “Every time you set this equipment up, a cord could get pinched, or something could break loose.” Not surprisingly, inspection rules for amusement rides can vary significantly from state to state. Some, like Arizona, have no requirements. Colorado conducts annual inspections, and Minnesota sends a contract inspector to every carnival that operates in the state, each time it sets up — though the initial inspection is more thorough than subsequent ones. What are Minnesota’s inspectors looking for? Primarily that the installations comply with Art. 525 of the NEC. “I don’t care if it’s a bouncy house, a Ferris wheel, or a Tilt-a-Whirl, we look at lights, disconnect means, and grounding electrodes,” Hunter says. “We walk the cords
and inspect their generator distribution system.” With four inspectors working a midway, he says a thorough review can be finished before noon. And then it’s up to the operator to address any major issues before a final walkthrough. “We’ll allow them to fix minor things on their own, like a cord that’s pulled out of a cord cap,” he says. “But if it’s anything egregious, like the replacement of ground fault receptacles, they have to have a licensed electrical contractor do that work.” There is a limit to what inspectors can do, however. These are installations where, in many cases, equipment is exposed to the elements and people. Wires get nicked; generators get damaged. And while proper bonding and grounding practices should conceivably take care of electrical issues that come up in the course of a carnival’s stay in one municipality, problems can still arise. And although Minnesota doesn’t require spot inspections at an already-reviewed carnival, Hunter’s team occasionally gets an assist from kindred spirits. “We’ll get calls from electrical contractors who say, ‘I’m here at the carnival and noticed that some cables
were ripped up,’” he says. “Our industry really helps us out in a lot of ways.”
Fault Lines Without question, the corners Nick Rock cut in wiring the bumper car ride at the Lake County Fair led to Greyson Yoe’s death. In July 2004, less than a year after the accident, he was found guilty of reckless homicide and involuntary manslaughter. (The involuntary manslaughter conviction was later overturned on appeal.) He wasn’t the only one to make mistakes, however. Two inspectors for the Ohio Department of Agriculture — one of whom had been on the job just six months and had no training or experience conducting electrical inspections — examined the Scooter. Although they identified an issue with a light panel, they failed to note the lack of a proper ground connection. In fact, one of the inspectors later admitted he assumed the ride was powered by a properly grounded generator he’d seen elsewhere on the fairgrounds, but he didn’t follow the Scooter’s power cords to confirm the connection.
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Perhaps even more surprising, the other inspector was aware that the ride was running on utility power but told investigators that he didn’t check the wiring because in such cases it was his policy to defer to the electrician. In a civil suit brought by Yoe’s parents, a judge determined that while the inspectors failed to perform an adequate inspection of the ride, neither was liable for the boy’s death. The judge did, however, rule that the Ohio Department of Agriculture was negligent and awarded Yoe’s family a little over $1 million. Yet in another odd twist, that award was nullified because the family had already reached a nearly $2 million settlement with the ride’s owner. So where did the fault current that flowed through Greyson Yoe originate? After arriving at the Lake County Fairgrounds the day after the boy’s death, Ralph Dolence requested that the ride’s power cable be disconnected from the utility pole. The cable was then connected to a portable generator, which was connected to a ground rod. When Dolence connected one test lead of his multimeter to the ride’s chassis and the other to the ground rod, he got a reading
of 12.7V. Upon further investigation, he found two circuits improperly connected to a 20A breaker. When he removed one of the current-carrying conductors, the voltage reading disappeared. With the help of a ride owner’s representative, he traced that wire to a junction box on top of the ride. The wire inside this metal box had broken free from its connection. Further testing revealed that during operation, the cars’ movement would jostle the black wire, causing it to periodically make contact with the metal box. This created the situation that resulted in Greyson Yoe’s death. Other carnival attendees — and even the ride’s operator — complained of being shocked during the first two days of the Lake County Fair, though none was seriously injured. Greyson Yoe, it seems, touched that handrail at just the wrong time. Much has changed in the Buckeye State since the early 2000s. Though the eight inspectors in the Department of Agriculture’s Amusement Ride Safety Division aren’t required to have electrical training, Chief Inspector Mike Vartorella says they test every electrified attraction at every touring carnival for “stray voltage.” (At a bare
minimum, those tests are conducted at a carnival’s first stop in the state, but there’s nothing that says follow-up inspections won’t be made at subsequent stops.) And if inspectors detect anything greater than 1mA, the source of the problem has to be identified and fixed by a licensed electrical contractor. Not only that, operators must also conduct — and document — their own daily inspections before opening for business. “They will be fined if they can’t produce those logs,” Vartorella says. “That’s a priority for this office.” Those changes to Ohio’s inspection protocol came too late to save Greyson Yoe, but they’ve likely reduced the chances of something similar happening again. As Dolence pointed out in interviews after the investigation, the boy didn’t die in vain. H Matthew Halverson is a freelance writer based in Seattle. He can be reached at matt.halverson@gmail.com. {Editor’s Note: This article was reprinted with permission of Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) magazine, July 2017 issue}
SEPTEMBER 2017 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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INSIDE:
es 4-13 `Best Parks...Pag ..Pages 14 & 15 race. `Landscaping & 17 ts...Pages 16 `Shows, Even 18-20 Picks...Pages `Publisher’s ...Pages 21-25 `Best New Rides es 26-33 `Best Rides...Pag .Pages 34-42 ters.. `Wooden Coas .Pages 44-47 `Steel Coasters..
Ticket Awards 2014 Golden
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eCelebrating the simultan of ous early-April debuts ion the High Roller observat Caesars wheel at The Linq, $550 Entertainment’s new and million outdoor retail de entertainment promena r in Las Vegas, and “Summe d new Nights,� her acclaime adjaresidency show at the Vegas cent Flamingo Las Olivia hotel, singer-actor took adNewton-John also ride’s vantage of the scenic already-popular libations policy. welcomed-onboard of See complete coverage wheel the record-breaking on pages 48-50.
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The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Looff Carou100 sel celebrated ion years of operat this summer. At left, park owner d Charles Canfiel of touches up one a with the horses little paint. Below, of a unique view buildel the carous ing interior.
INSIDE:
Industry le
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Ron Toom
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Novembe r IAAPA Pre-C onvention Issue 2011 AMUSEM ENT TOD AY 33 BEDFORD, Texas — The ment indu amuseCOURTESY SANTA stry lost one of stars BEACH its on Sept. brightest CRUZ Prior to his ing of Rona 26, 2011 with the pass BOARDWALK / deat ted h, ld he Valen that when admittine Toom died peac BOTTOM PHOTO it comes er who efully in his sional achie to professleep follo JEFF DAL PORTO a four-mon vements, wing he proud of th battle with canc his contribut was most was 81. er. He developm ion to the ent Born in Pasa cal upside-do of the first prac dena, Calif ti31, 1930, wn coaster . on May Ron spen (The Cork elements t his early screw the Golden life in into the Inter ) and his induction State befo re being draft ed into the national Asso Amuseme U.S. Army ciation of Toomer nt 13 months in 1952. After ing Hall of Fame Parks and Attraction in continue his Germany, he retur s in the year Texas drought not stopp17-18 ned 2000 educ hom Caro lyn . ation. e to Worl University dwide, who Wea of Nevada-R As a graduate of the Castaway Cove — Pages S&S worked man ver, worked for eno (1961, Toomer at y years with the Hercules Arrow, told B.S.), he a mechanica Amuseme had such Powder Com nt Today, “We great years l of the seco engineer on the nozz pany as was such together at a good man nd stage Arrow. Ron le section Minutema motor. For and did so things for n solid rocke so many of Thermatest many good t kind and served as the employee a mechanica Laboratories Inc., comp s. He was assionate. he have staye for research l engineer He is the responsibl and testin reason I e industry. d and have been succ materials g of high for use in temperatu essfu He was not re friend the aerospac including only a men l in this as well. Anyw the e industry tor but ay, this is a facturing of design, development of us that sad time for a knew Ron. the heat shiel and manu all - him and I Apollo spac d sensors his family.� am certainly thinking e prog for NASA’s of Privately, Ron ram. Cedar Fair’s enjoyed work CEO, He hand carve on Ron’s ing with wood passing tellinDick Kinzel reflected . was not bling wood d waterfowl and enjo only an outst g AT, “Ron Toom en yed assem - outstandin er enjoyed cross car kits. He was an anding engi avid g neer, indiv word reader, mou but an idual. He puzzles, pictu cooking and sly to the Ron Toom re puzzles, gardening growth and contributed enorer he most enjo . In industry. developm (and in seco as seen through the I always cons yed the days his younger years, ent of our years at Arro nd photo and camp idered him and more when he could Zamorano) with Arro w Dynamics in important w’s Alan hike sona and ly, I considere a colleague nation’s Natio the High Sierras Harris and l friend.� at home with various functions and visit d him a pernal Parks. Melree , the IAAP the Publicly, Six Flags’ AT FILE PHOT his IAAPA Hall though, Ron of Fame awar A trade show and well OS Toomer durin Pat Hoffman work known for is perhaps d. g ed his work industry with in the amus most saying, “I first his early days at Ceda with Arrow Deve met Ron r Point Dynamics) lopment (aka ement installation and of the Ceda in 1969 during the Arrow of attraction the creation of a vast number later on both the Cork r Creek Mine Ride s, particular tall Vertigo swing and roller coas screw and ers. Througho ly the mod ter. While Gemini the Wind Rider, a 130-foot popular ride. See ern steel ut all the his Arrow was ent Park has opened of the construction coasts first park model tackling wate first assignment with testing and initial Top left: Cliff’s Amusem phases, times on the openings Pirates of Rides. It is the supplier’ r issues at there to take upside down multiple he Disn the flipping ride from A.R.M. (USA) was are Giant care eyland’s up. Caribbean tall always Mine Train Elitch Gardens guests ’s massive 73-foot I was youn of anything that migh at Six Flags ride, the Runaway page 31. Top right: ride is the company t come first roller but Ron alwa g and just starting onal Brain Drain. The coaster proje Over Texas was new Larson Internati my career, ys took time his tions. Karl Bacon, ct. Working to answer He beca he Loop. See page 4. along my queshelped prod GARDENS me my men side grea paved the COURTESY ELITCH uce a coas tor t guy who way for an CLIFFS/AT GARY SLADE; will be misse and was truly a coaster and amazing colle ter that National d by many ride proje .� designed cts. In 1975 ction of Richard Mun Roller Coaster Muse and um Historian , Toomer ch said, “His ers. His desig opened four Cork industry can screw coas n for the Ceda be measured importance in the t- quantity one year r Point by the quali of later, inclu ty and ded a verti Corkscrew, direction, rides produced by missed the Arro cal from w coas loop under his 1966 to his ter record . He most opening of retire ly with Karl books for a modern-e Bacon, Toom ment. Working the his guid cal loop, ra coas er excelled ter with a ance creat when Mag vertiunder ing some ic Mountain Anton Schw of the most opened the tant coasters of the arzkopf-de impormod signed Grea Revolution, corkscrew just seven element, impr ern era, including the t American days elem ovem During his earlier. ent and the ents of the suspended loop ers became tenure at Arrow, Toom was instru coaster. men the must-have er’s coastArrow the world cessful attra tal in providing all at parks . His track types of sucdesign woul all around to an asso ctions, from coas way beyond ters to flum d lead the rtme Corkcrews es, loops and to include draw for millio nt of rides that boomeran prov interlocking g elements. took coas during that ns who visited the natioided the ter In period. Ride n’s parks the creation technology to a new 1981, he Monster, s like the Mag of level with Loch Ness first suspende The Bat at Kings Islan Rides, have num XL-200 and the d, Arrow’s thrilled millio fun Mine partner with d coaster. In 1989 continue to ns of rider , he woul Cedar Poin gain new s, and will surrounded Intamin, d from coas t fans, long to flume ter to brea build the first er high-tech even as taller this massive log steel e drop followed by rides corn and Phantasialand opens with the Mag k the 200-foot-tall Ron is survi er the mark five levels and a 53-degre Top left: Germany’s Waheight limit et.� ved by features three lifts, added a Zamperla term Hype num XL-200. With years, four that ride, by a new section. Chiapas 11 & 12. Top right: Six Flags Over Texas rcoaster was children and his wife, Betty of the and 54 pages teamed up 38. their spou ushered in. a camelback hill. See Blasters. See page with ses: He also Jeffr Christie Toomer of as Daffy Duck Bucket sive seven-inv Six Flags to creat Darien, Ga.; Gregory JEFFREY SEIFERT ey Thornton termania ride themed e three ersio Carol and FLAGS OVER TEXAS/AT TIM BALDWIN; SIX All total, Toomn coasters from 1988 mas- Alana Mitchell of Bedford, Texas; FANTASYLAND/AT Gary and -90. of Keller, er would 93 steel and Texas; Chris be credited Kristi Toom roller coas topher er of Park with gran ters. He countless 5-7, 2014 er, Colo. dchildren. ber assis othe Septem | ted S r and nine amuseme with AWARD initial layou A memorial t for the hillsid nt rides including the 2014 GOLDEN TICKET service for Magic Mou was held e setting of family and ntain’s log on Oct. Six Flags friends 1 at the flume. Methodist Mart Church in Bedford, Texa in United s.
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summer. one of in love Charles I.D. Looff, Americans fall most successsel’ the earliest and with the ‘Carou ls delive. back to ful builders of carouse Roundâ€? come a popular pastim Though dating Go opened 16th centuered the “Merry John Leibrandt France in the mid in August of EDWKKRXVH RQ the late 1800s to the Boardwalk WKH Ă€UVW SXEOLF ry, it wasn’t until Santa The 1865. tion of a steam in 1911. and the adapta ated the beach with its southcarousels became Looff, who immigr beach, that Cruz engine side of as a young from Denmark shore on the north ed popular. g carousels ern become ey Bay was protect man, began buildin Americans had new J KLV Ă€UVW DW Monter harsh waves typical the LQ LQVWDOOLQ ted with these earveer’s Bath- from offered a enchan the late 1800s and Mrs. Lucy Vander the west coast and with rides in age of Coney Island, of ul and serene area and the golden ing Pavilion at ing. ly 1900s in 1876. Be- beautif is generally considopen-water swimm New York City, ls safe, carouse RI Ă€UVW PDQ\ uses soon fol1905 to 1925. LQJ RQH RI WKH ered to be from Island Other bathho ants, PDQ\ Coney restaur WKH uent WR along with the subseq 9LVLWRUV Ă RFNHG learned their lowed scattered photo stands and parks shops, ent carousel carvers curio amusem Looff. In to take out the country skills from Charles carousel hotels. his W. Swan- through the “painted ponies.â€? 1910 he moved In 1904, Fred spin on g factory to 6DQWD &UX] a ors alike and ride buildin WRQ ZKRVH Ă€UVW Riders and spectat carved nia. HG LQ D Ă€UH ul Long Beach, Califor KRWHO ZDV GHVWUR\ e casino loved the beautif music and opened the Neptun he pro- horses, the calliope relatively new alk that A bathing beach the of boardw glow and ent City the lights. Like many amusem20th moted as the “Atlantic was incandescent of the that as West.â€? That too parks at the turn It is estimated WZR alk began of the were HG LQ D Ă€UH MXVW 3,000 carousels century, the Boardw stop many as Americans GHVWUR\ peas a bathing beach. prosper- years later, but that didn’t ed in this short time the Santa produc more 175 of those were becoming Swanton. He formed in 1906 riod but less than dependent on on today. Company operati Beach ous and less in Cruz r remain They realized page 5 an even grande constant work. See CAROUSEL, a a good and opened with was on in 1907, along that recreati ing had be- casino thing, and swimm
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, Calif. — bringSAN DIEGO San Diego, ed SeaWorld Millay debut to the experiencand personal g ing us up close park. Incorporatinof a marine life es found in g it the focus tions and makin T! prove to be a sea life attrac THE BES would ery BEST OF of discov would eventualan entire day ing this, Millay their of parks. Over winners and success. Follow our industry orld into a chain of parks has ony weekend sakes honoring ly expand SeaW family but the cerem orld tuSeaW and mov- accomplishments, the years, the networking oppor e this ting, entertaining of animals an enjoyable e anniversary educa a chanc — becom d has er evolve fun, as well as rating its 50th s, presented come. The numb park. laughter and Diego, celeb Tickets Award of each host inspiring. Bring- nity full of ing those that ths SeaWorld San been streng has attendees the 2014 Golden ted 2014. Event musicians pour- season, hosted the er in encounters to experience saved and protec marinein training or , on Sept. 6, animals togeth l shows and Like athletes , the many parks by Amusement Today memories peoing people and mix of anima into their songs , these are life ment indus- were treated to the park’s ing their soul day. amuse and interactions ORLD the every SEAW within with them at the park themed rides. COURTESY ent of en- and water parks ple take home guests’ days , vice presid ue the try strive to make their Rick Schuiteman be and to contin to welcoming can possibly best looks forward orld San Diego the best they tertainment, r to make the so cool for SeaW Ticket Awards to push themselves harde ctions n industry. “It’s making conne this year’s Golde not only have even better. Or perhaps, ber long to be hosting n will remem an honor! We s that childre lives ceremony‌what showcase our beautiful park within familie grown is a way they touch to it after they are Awards salute the opportunity the theme park industry, The Golden Ticket atulations go s of the wonders day after day. to the leader ry. Congr to experience but in the indust taken top prize, also allows them known as America’s Finest the finest on not only have , also hard to rank to those that of San Diego have worked who each er for Sea- also to those that City!â€? especially those general manag with their rty on a the charts, and even John Reilly, future prope the this in , enjoys the day try to make it there World San Diego AT asked what he feels is s of excellence. tation of rty, expec When panel continual Diego prope daily basis. our experienced te of the San With each year, grow worldwide. AT has defining attribu “Our team members. Their ues to of voters twice. experts contin Reilly responds, wow me every day.â€? exact same group have talent d to be host- never had the d the globe passion and Today is thrille Awards at people aroun us along with Amusement Hundreds of tise Ticket n collective exper in the parks to annual Golde attendees enjoy shared their ing its 17th dollars Diego. Here, lives hard-earned nters, rides and with their SeaWorld San have made their of shows, encou Today park, give back to those that Amusement a dynamic mix al SeaWorld pleasurable. inat the origin TM a little more rsary. beauty — all those enthusiastic its 50th annive does the is indebted to the fan, this industry now celebrating industry visitors leave “getâ€? what parks when inspired by dividuals that “I hope our with so nd ates Awards weeke day, and celebr they take action day after Golden Ticket 100 percent. in it more than SeaWorld that — Tim Baldw populations,â€? they’ve given the animals at nce for wild to make a differe by Amusesays Reilly. s presented The annual award e prized keepnot only becom ment Today have
KE GOLDEN TIC AWARDS
| Pages 29
9
gories SeaWorld Sa rds in 29 cate ay presents awa
16, ISSUE
e | Vol. 18 • Issu September 2014
1
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ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Jammin’ Jamborees and Photo Gallery PROGRAM
2017 OABA Jammin’ Jamboree
2017 OABA Jammin’ Jamboree Schedule
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.
2017 Jammin’ Jamboree Totals
Butler Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,240 A Fantasy Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,400 Twentieth Century Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,025 PBJ Happee Day Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,400 Frazier Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000 TOTAL $36,065
Reithoffer Shows at Deale, MD Firefighters Fundraiser
Twentieth Century Rides, Brownsville, TX . . . . . . . . . . March 1 PBJ Happee Day Shows, Marion, AR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 9 A Fantasy Amusement Co., St. Charles, IL . . . . . . . . . . July 18 Butler Amusements – Lance’s Unit, Sacramento, CA . . July 19 Butler Amusements – Mick’s Unit, Turlock, CA . . . . . . . July 20 NAME/All Star Amusement, Louisville, KY . . . . . . . . August 22 West Coast Amusements, Victoria, BC, Canada . . . . August 31 Rosedale Attractions & Shows, La Plata, MD . . . . September 13 Thomas Carnival, Ft. Smith, AR . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 24 Wright’s Amusements, Winnie, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 2
Heart of Illinois Fair
Gregg Hartley of Cloakroom Advisors and his granddaughter, Isabella Pelham, visit with Craig Nelson of Reithoffer Shows at a fundraiser for Deale, MD Volunteer Firefighters on July 23.
OABA President Bob Johnson visits with Fair President Rob Murphy, Fair Manager Charlie Kennell, Audrey Poole of Fair Foods and Larry Sivori.
PGAM Holds Annual OABA Membership Drive
Powers Great American Midways’ 2017 membership drive: seated in front are OABA Third Vice Chair Debbie Powers, between Show Ambassadors Suzie Corl, left, and Tiffany Janas, right. OABA Director Marc Janas is standing at far left. SEPTEMBER 2017 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Jammin’ Jamborees A Fantasy Amusement Co. – Kane County Fair, St. Charles, IL OABA Director Mary Johnson, Bob Johnson and a Fantasy Amusement employee who won $500 in the 50/50 raffle.
OABA Director Patrick Sheridan, Illinois lobbyist Margaret Vaughn and OABA Chair E.J. Dean.
This year’s Fantasy Amusement OABA Jamboree was themed “The 70’s” and many of the employees, staff and guests were creative and dressed up for the event.
E.J. Dean, OABA Trustee Bill Johnson, Margaret Vaughn and Bob Johnson.
The McKinney family in their 70’s themed outfits for the Jamboree: baby Bade, daughter Andi Kate with dad Alan and mom Sarah.
Sandy Thebault Rothstein, Fantasy Amusement’s office manager, with Bill Johnson and Laurie Romano, wife of Mike Romano, the show’s ride superintendent.
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Fantasy Amusement owners Bill and Mary Johnson and Keith Tompkins, the jamboree auctioneer.
Molly, Danielle and Dom; third generation of George’s Food catering family.
Margaret Vaughn; Mary Johnson; Alan, Sarah and Andi Kate McKinney; and Laurie Romano wearing very creative costumes!
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017
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ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Contribution Fund 2017 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 First Prize $300 Second Prize $200 $100 Third Prize
Final drawing in February First Prize $3,000 Second Prize $2,000 $1,000 Third Prize
Doolan Amusement Co. Tina & John Doolan Frazier Shows Adam Schrum AJ Schrum Allie Carpenter Andrea Broetsky Ashley Broetsky Billy Carpenter Blazen Entertainment Broetsky Equipment Broetsky Foods Broetsky SW Bryan Broetsky Cash Broetsky Dylan Tobias Elizabeth Landon Emma Tobias Frazier Shows Garfield Miller Garry Miller George Tobias Ginny Miller Jan Broetsky Jan Cavanaugh
Monthly drawings April-October First Prize $400 $300 Second Prize Third Prize $200
Final drawing in February First Prize $4,000 $2,000 Second Prize Third Prize $1,000
Bronze and Silver Plans: If the carnival contributions exceed $5,000, OABA dues are waived for carnival.
Gold Plan
Contribution from Concessions & Rides $5.00 per day
Monthly drawings April-October First Prize $500 $400 Second Prize Third Prize $300
Final drawing in February First Prize $5,000 $2,000 Second Prize Third Prize $1,000
Gold Plan: If the carnival contributions exceed $10,000, OABA dues are waived for carnival.
Ray Farrow Sue Shreve Tom Gaylin Wayne Hinson Swikas Amusements J & C Enterprises Jimmy Snyder Larry Koza Paula Swika Stephen Swika III
SILVER
Carousel FEC Angelo Cappetta Patricia Thomas Deggeller Attractions Alex Brandon Barrett’s East Coast Foods Bobo Concessions Brandon Concessions Bungee Blast Cathy Deggeller Chris Robbeloth Dale & Sharon Negus
2017 OABA Contribution Fund Ray Cammack Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71,740 Powers Great American Midways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,320 Luehrs’ Ideal Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,120 Frazier Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,930 Reithoffer Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000 Deggeller Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,180 Rainbow Valley Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,300 NAME/Astro Amusement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,195 NAME/Mid America Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,460 Rosedale Attractions & Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,105 Carousel Family Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360 Doolan Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 SwikaS Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 TOTAL $103,010
Silver Plan
Contribution from Concessions & Rides $10.00 per week
Jaxon Scales Jessica Johnson Julie Broetsky Lauren Lauther Piper Broetsky Schrum Entertainment Stephen P Broetsky Stephen T Broetsky Steve Broetsky Tobias Sky Tristan Scales William Carpenter NAME/All Star Amusements Dawn Snoddy Dennis Voss JPB, Inc. Kristina Rieder Pat Blomsness Rosedale Attractions & Shows Barbara Gaylin Jason & Joe Gaylin John Smith Michelle Farrow
July Drawing Winners BRONZE
Adam Schrum Frazier Shows $300 Jason & Joe Gaylin Rosedale Attractions & Shows $200 Tina & John Doolan Doolan Amusement Co. $100
SILVER
Andy & Lorelei Schoendienst Luehrs’ Ideal Rides $400 Ruth Evans Powers Great American Midways $300
GOLD
Cameron Kastl Ray Cammack Shows $500 Dominic & Kim Palmieri Ray Cammack Shows $400
Pasyn Leavitt Alan McKinney Ray Cammack Shows A Fantasy Amusement Co. $300 $200 SEPTEMBER 2017 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Call for 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees & Industry Pioneer Nominations
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our OABA is now accepting nominations for the prestigious 2018 Hall of Fame inductions and Industry Pioneer recognition.
If someone comes to mind who has made significant contributions to the OABA and the mobile outdoor amusement industry through their career and achievements, now is the time to submit an application to the Hall of Fame Committee for their consideration of your nominee for these prestigious honors. Individuals nominated must have made substantial achievements and/or contributions to the OABA and/or the mobile amusement industry. Nominees may be currently active, retired or deceased, and represent any facet of our industry. For a list of current OABA Hall of Fame inductees and Pioneer recipients, as well as a nomination form, please visit www.oaba.org. Please take a few minutes to complete the form and submit your nomination for these prestigious honors in the mobile amusement industry. Nominations must be received by September 30, 2017. Indicate which category — Hall of Fame or Industry Pioneer — for which you are submitting the individual’s name for consideration. There are three ways to submit your nomination form: ★ Email your nomination form to: oaba@oaba.org ★ Fax/scan to the attention of: Hall of Fame Committee at 407-681-9445 or to oaba@oaba.org ★ Or mail to the attention of OABA Hall of Fame Committee, 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1045A, Winter Park, FL 32792 The Hall of Fame Committee will review all nominations and select individual(s) to be inducted into the OABA’s Hall of Fame and to receive the Industry Pioneer recognition. Individuals selected by the Committee will receive this recognition and honor at the OABA’s Annual Meeting in February. Previously submitted applications received by the OABA in the past five years will be considered, along with all new applicants for these awards, by the Hall of Fame Committee. Should you have any questions, please contact the OABA office or Committee Chair John Hanschen at 512-914-0395. ★
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Contribution Fund continued 2017 OABA Contribution Fund Program Participants DEA Games Deggeller Foods, Inc. Deggler Attractions Dennis Rowland Dexter Oscar Giffin’s Enterprise Global Glow Toys Happy Swing Heidi Jamie & Andy Deggeller Jay Russell Kat’s Quarters M&D Rides Macneill Bull Old Tyme Photos Parks-Speedpitch Pete Katz Porky’s Pugh & Sons Concessions R&A Concessions Rob Myers & Alieta Hopp Robbeloth Concession Robby Myers T&T Concessions Luehrs’ Ideal Rides Andrew Schoendienst Jr. Andy & Lorelei Schoendienst Chris & Kristin Atkins Luehrs’ Ideal Rides Fantasy Amusement Co. Alan McKinney Steven Jones Tony Jones NAME/Mid America Shows Alvin Kenedy Banks Huston Cooper D. Huston Gary & Lori Crabtree Lucy Huston Michiana Facepainting Mid America Concessions Mike Huston Miles Huston Nagel Concessions Pier Amusements Richard Huston Sylvia Wilson Troy & Celicia Meadows Troy Meadows Powers Great American Midways Alan & Stefanie Wheelock Bob & Suzette McKnight Brandon Concessions Brian Cotham Corky & Debbie Powers Dave Flores Sales Ianni Concessions Jason Sales Jeff & Shelia Dean Marc & Tiffany Janas Mike Heaton Pam McDonald Phil & Suzie Corl Raymond Ruthie Evans Tang Tempest Bull TM Concessions Wheelock
Reithoffer Shows Andrew Prestin Beau Pugh Bobby Pugh Gary Alberry Jan Husted John Stoorza Kevin Lamkin Mario Rojas Michael Lauther Mike Bronchik Paul Smith Rick Reithoffer Robert Vinson Tony Albanese
GOLD
Ray Cammack Shows A. Murray Alan Putter Andrew F Schoendienst Jr. Ashley Kastl Bill Morton Brian Bradbury Brooklynn Retherford Burt Morton Cameron Kastl Carrie Morton Chris Lopez Deborah Morton Diego Edwardo Palafox Dominic & Kim Palmieri Dylan Lopez Emily Bradbury Emily Machelor Eveline Howard-Morton Hailey Ousey Jacqueline Bradbury Jaden Leavitt Jayce Pacheco Joanne Leavitt Jody Lopez Jossue Ibarra Osequera Juan Carlos Mendoza Juvenal Palafox Garcia Kade Lopez Kate Ousey Kirsten Ousey Laura Howard Morton Mad Hatter Mario Garcia Tellez Marley Rae Houston Mary K. Ousey Michael John Ousey Michael Ousey Michele Leavitt Mike Ashcraft Mike Ousey Nancy Bishop Pasyn Leavitt Riley Lopez Robot Ousey Roger Leavitt Savannah Bradley Shelby Wendland Tanner Lopez Taylum Leavitt Trevor Stonerock Walker Retherford Zane Bradbury
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017
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GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS H DOT REGULATORY NEWS
DOT Regulatory News Senate Commerce Committee
3d 637 (9th Cir. 2014). There-
the Department of Transporta-
Action Plan in response to the
Approves Meal & Rest Break
fore, a legislative clarification is
tion for fiscal year 2018, which
National Academy of Sciences
Preemption
necessary.
begins October 1, 2017. On July
report on CSA is implemented
17, the House Appropriations
and the DOT Inspector General has certified the results.
In reporting out a bill to
The current authorization
reauthorize the Federal Avia-
of the FAA expires on Septem-
Committee approved the fiscal
tion Administration, the Sen-
ber 30, 2017, so this bill must
year 2018 funding bill for the
ate Committee on Commerce,
be passed by then to keep the
Departments of Transportation
Committee’s Subcommittee on
Science and Transportation has
agency operational. H
and Housing and Urban Devel-
Transportation, Housing and Ur-
opment (known as the THUD
ban Development will mark up
bill) on a vote of 31-20.
its version of the FY 2018 THUD
approved an amendment that would preempt state and local requirements for meal and rest breaks beyond those necessary to comply with the federal driver hours of service regulations. The bill will proceed to the Senate floor sometime in August. In the House the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has also reported out an FAA reauthorization bill, but without the meal and rest break preemption language. The T&I Committee leadership is working on strategy to add the provision during the House floor debate, however. In 1994, Congress passed the existing preemption provision in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act to provide the trucking industry with a uniform set of rules to operate in interstate commerce. The provision expressly preempts state laws related to the prices, routes, and services of motor carriers in order to prevent a state-bystate patchwork of multi-faceted rules and regulations that would inhibit the movement of freight. But a federal court ruled in 2014 that the preemption provision did not supersede state meal and rest break laws, giving
FMCSA Issues 2017 Guide To Large Truck Statistics The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published its 2017 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics. The guide includes data on the number and types of motor carriers and the vehicles they operate, number of drivers, roadside inspections, miles driven and crashes. According to the guide, in 2016 there were 272,928 registered for-hire carriers, 200,094 private carriers, and 46,529 carriers that were both private and for-hire. Also, in 2016 the guide reports there were approximately 4 million CDL drivers (both interstate and intrastate) and about 1.9 million non-CDL drivers of commercial motor vehicles. The guide states that trucks moved 64 percent of the freight (measured by weight) moved in the United States in 2015; some 17.8 percent moved by pipeline and only 10 percent by rail. Fatal crashes involving a large truck increased from 3,429 in 2014 to 3,598 in 2015. Injury crashes involving large trucks also increased, from 82,000 in 2014 to 83,000 in 2015. H
The House bill includes a
The Senate Appropriations
bill on July 25, 2017, with full
provision that would preempt
committee markup scheduled
state and local requirements for
for July 27. H
meal and rest breaks beyond
Efforts In Congress To Delay
those necessary to comply with the federal driver hours of service regulations. Similar meal and rest break preemption language was also included in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s bill to reauthorize the Federal
ELD Implementation With the December 18, 2017 deadline for the Electronic Logging Device mandate approaching, there are efforts in Congress to delay implementation of the FMCSA’s final rule. First, a report attached to
Aviation Administration, which
the House THUD appropriations
was approved by the commit-
bill for FY 2018 bill advises the
tee on June 29. But the House
FMCSA to study whether a “full
version of the FAA bill does not
or targeted delay” of the federal
include the meal and rest break
FLD mandate is warranted. The
language, and it is questionable
report does not mandate that
whether the House leadership
FMCSA conduct the report or cre-
can get a floor vote on its bill
ate a delay, but states, “The com-
because of a controversial pro-
mittee is concerned by reports of
vision to privatize the air traffic
serious complications associ-
control system.
ated with implementation. In
The House THUD appro-
light of the heavy burden of this
priations bill also contains a
mandate, especially on small car-
provision to prevent the Federal
riers, the committee directs the
Motor Carrier Safety Admin-
Department to analyze whether
istration from issuing any
a full or targeted delay in ELD
change to current safety fitness
implementation and enforce-
determination process until
ment would be appropriate.” The
all CSA reforms, including the
report asks FMCSA to produce its
Inspector General certifications
findings within 60 days.
mandated by the FAST Act are
Additionally, on July 18 Rep.
completed. Although the FMCSA
Brain Babin (R-TX) introduced
states greater latitude to regulate
Congress Considering
has withdrawn its proposed
H.R. 3282, a bill to delay imple-
interstate motor carriers and
DOT Appropriations Bill
rule to amend the SFD process
mentation of the ELD mandate for
requiring them to adhere to vary-
For FY 2018
and metrics, this provision
two further years, until December
would prohibit the agency from
18, 2019. That bill was referred
hours and pay policies. Dilts
Representatives are working on
reinstituting the rulemaking
to the House Transportation and
v. Penske Logistics, LLC, 769 F.
bills to appropriate funds for
until the FMCSA’s Corrective
Infrastructure Committee. H
ing state rules governing driver
20
The Senate and House of
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ASSOCIATION H CIRCUS MEMBERS
From The Center Ring Connecting & Protecting the Circus Industry! Rodney Huey, RAH PR Strategies OABA Circus Media Consultant
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utumn is here at last, with another eventful circus summer behind us. Traveling shows are looking ahead toward the end of their 2017 itineraries and upcoming rehearsal periods while youth and social circus groups have closed their summer classes and will begin enrolling students for their fall sessions. Until then, however, there are plenty of traveling shows entertaining American audiences from coast to coast. UniverSoul Circus closes out in St. Louis on September 4, then plays Chene Park in Detroit from September 7 through the end of the month. The Big E Circus Spectacular will be presenting three shows daily from September 15 through October 1 as part of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield (MA). Last year’s exposition drew upwards of 1,400,000 attendees. Circus Vargas opens the month in Hayward (CA) at the Southland Mall before moving on to the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma (CA) on September 14–18, closing out its 2017 season. The Broadway-styled Vanardos Circus opens September 1 at the Los Angeles County Fair in Ponoma (CA) and plays through the 24th. Circo Hermanos Vazquez will be appearing at the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora (IL) September 15 through October 1, while Kelly Miller Circus entertains the good people of Illinois with eight engagements this month in Madison, Posen, Summit, Robbins, Elk Grove Village, Round Lank Beach, McHenry and Marseilles. The revived Big Apple Circus goes into rehearsal at the County Fairgrounds in Sussex County (NJ) mid-month in preparation for its premiere on October 27 at the Lincoln Center in New York City (NY). The 40th Anniversary Edition will be under the direction of Mark Lonergan. In some not-so-happy news, Carson & Barnes Circus has suspended the remainder of its 2017 season and is back in its Hugo (OK) home. The C&B website advised visitors to: “Please check back soon for our upcoming dates!” Cirque du Soleil’s new production, Luzia: A Waking Dream of Mexico, made its stateside debut in Chicago in July to a rating of “superb” by Chicago Tribune circus critic Chris Jones. Luzia opens in Atlanta September 14. Cirque has also acquired The Blue Man Group with plans to expand the quirky production beyond its U.S.-based shows with a North American and world tour, plus a permanent show in Berlin, Germany. Sarasota (FL)-based comic daredevil Bello Nock will headline the Big Top Circus Spectacular, produced by OABA Trustee Wayne McCary, at the Utah State Fair in Salt Lake City (UT) September 7–17. Then it’s on to Down Under to perform with Australia’s Circus Royale in Melbourne.
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The Clown Conservatory of San Francisco’s Circus Center is back in business after a two-year hiatus under the directorship of Sara Moore. A newcomer to the Circus Center, Ms. Moore is certainly no newcomer to physical comedy, having performed in a “full spectrum of clowning . . . including the big top, film, Off-Broadway theaters, casinos, and outdoor venues.” Among the physical comedy classes and workshops being offered are Human Cartoon: The Art of Elastic, Narrative Clowning, Buffoonery, Eccentric Dance and Precision Idiocy. The first 24-week session begins September 12. A new circus-related website has recently come online – www.CircusTalk.com. Dubbing itself as “A Social Marketplace for Circus Professionals,” the “communitybuilt platform” offers news, information, jobs listings and “a centralized directory . . . [for] people and organizations that compose the worldwide circus community.” Dominque Jando’s circopedia.com has been named the “World’s Very Best Website on Circus” by Beesker.com. Additionally, Circopedia’s 2017 Award for Excellence in the Circus Arts was presented to the youth Circus Juventas in a ceremony at its home in St. Paul (MN) on August 3. CJ was founded by Betty and Dan Butler who are both graduates of youth Sailor Circus in Sarasota (FL). When twin sisters Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion, founders of the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) in Brattleboro (VT), returned from the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in July, they were met with pink slips (instead of cheers) from NECCA’s Board of Directors. The reason for their terminations was never publicly announced, but the firing led to public outrage, mass resignations, and the withdrawal of scores of students demanding a refund of their deposits. After a couple of weeks of reconsideration, the entire board resigned and a new board was named under the direction of president Elizabeth Wohl, as well as an interim executive director and an new operations director. The founding sisters were re-instated as artistic directors. It appears that one of the country’s leading training facilities of young artists is back on sound footing. The retirement of elephants from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey brought an onslaught of questions about what would happen to its pachyderm herd at the Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC) in Polk County (FL). Some elephants have been loaned to zoos, and according to a report on Sarasota’s (FL) WWSB-TV, Feld Entertainment, Inc. has applied for a “captive-bred wildlife registration under 50 CFR 17.21(g)” that would allow “owners of captive-bred endangered species to sell their animals.” Rumor has it that the White Oak
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2017 Circus Fund
Conservatory in Northern Florida could become the new home for RBBB’s elephants, but that has not been confirmed. Rest assured, however, that before the CEC sells any of its charges, assurances would have to be made that their new homes meet the high standard of care at the CEC. In other animal news, 15 Ringling tigers will join 250 others at the Tiger Haven, a 45-acre tiger sanctuary in Kingston (TN). Tiger Haven operates on private donations, is not open to the public, and refuses to “engage in the public advocacy against private ownership of wild animals.” Sanctuary office manager Cheryl Haddid said: “They [Ringling] have no problems with us, and we have no problem with them,” noting that Ringling has “always done well by their animals.” Meanwhile, former RBBB big cat trainer Alex Lacey is making arrangements to take his tigers to Munich to perform with him in Germany’s Krone Circus. H
Kathleen Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Forepaugh-Lubin Tent No. 2, CFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415 National Showmens Association, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Paul Gutheil – in fond memory of Johnny Welde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Felix Adler-Paul Binder Tent No. 12, CFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Bill & Chris Schreiber – in memory of Johnny Welde, bear trainer, circus man & friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Kenneth Fake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Robert K. Momyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 James Rittle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 TOTAL $2,175
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 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.
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Animal Issues Legislative Update Mary Lou Kelly Consulting
IN THE NEWS
Stricter wild animal permit requirements impact North Texas Fair and Rodeo The Denton (TX) Police Department’s Animal Services Division created a written policy in February that outlines more stringent requirements for issuing wild animal permits. The requirements prohibit “dangerous wild animals” (including tigers, lions, bears and cougars) and lines up more closely with Texas state law. The new requirements came after a “handful” of people expressed concern when eight Bengal tigers made an appearance at last year’s fair. Police officials said there were no issues reported during last year’s tiger exhibit. Denton Record-Chronicle (7/11)
Minnesota petting zoo under investigation after child’s death The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating how two children came down with a toxin-producing form of E-coli after one little girl died and her brother lost function of both kidneys and is now on dialysis. The investigation is ongoing and includes the Amaze’n Farmyard (Eden Valley, MN) because the children visited their petting zoo. In the interest of caution, officials asked the company to pull their farm animals from display. The state public health veterinarian said the petting zoo has been “very cooperative, very helpful, but again the investigation is ongoing and we’re investigating multiple sources, not just the petting zoo.” Officials are reminding people to take precautions when visiting petting zoos or other places where you can come into close contact with animals (washing hands and avoiding hand to mouth contact). Fox 9 News (7/20)
Expedia takes a stand against “animal cruelty” The travel booking engine Expedia has announced that it will no longer sell “activities involving certain wildlife animal interactions” (most notably, elephant rides overseas).
Expedia is reviewing the travel activities offered on its site, with the guidance of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, Born Free Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Travel Pulse (7/23)
Activists disrupt elephant act during Circus World performance Activists with Direct Action Everywhere disrupted a Circus World performance on July 9, holding signs and shouting in protest when the elephant act started. The two women were escorted off the property by circus workers, and left the premises before Baraboo (WI) police arrived. One of the activists told reporters that “the truth is that circuses for animals are a place of violence, and we are working to expose that and achieve total animal liberation.” Baraboo News Republic (7/10)
“Nude zebras” from PeTA protest UniverSoul Circus in Norfolk Two female PeTA members, painted with body paint to resemble zebras, stood at a busy downtown Norfolk intersection this week with signs protesting the arrival of UniverSoul circus. PeTA’s headquarters are located in Norfolk, not far from the protest site. Virginian-Pilot (7/26)
Animal rights groups trying to defund National Institutes of Health In a letter to the editor to The Hill this week, Matthew R. Bailey, president of the National Association for Biomedical Research Activists, responded to calls from animal rights groups to cut funding for NIH and outlined why the continued use of animal research is necessary. Bailey said “despite claims by animal rights groups, animal research remains a crucial part of the process to improve the global healthcare landscape by clearing a pathway to prevent and better treat costly, deadly diseases.” The Hill (7/24) H
Puppy Roll Faribault, MN
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ShowTime
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