Carnival Workers

[Seajatt]

I started out as a ride operator.

The way they started workers out first on non-mechanical rides (slides, bounce house), then mechanical kids rides, then adult rides.

After the first 2 weeks I started out helping with break-down. Initially easy stuff like wrapping cords, hanging fences on the disassembled rides, trash pickup. Then helping with mechanical disassembly. It's often a matter of just jumping in to do what needs to be done (once you know what to do).

You'll find that what takes 2 days to put up only takes about 4 hours to break down.

I'm willing to answer any questions I can.

What were your impressions of the culture? Also, I'd love any stories you have, places you've been that you liked, etc, if you want to share them.

 

[Seajatt]

It was a long time ago, but I once worked for the Carson and Barnes Circus. At the time it was (one of?) the last big tops still around. I imagine it couldn't be THAT different from Carnies.

I helped put up and take down the Big Top. Me, a bunch of other guys, and the elephants. I loved those big guys! Anyway, I was at the bottom of the social totem pole and was seldom allowed to forget it. We were heavily discouraged from having our own transportation. And the company store gave us easy credit. All designed to make us less independent. The first day there, we had a fistfight in the mess tent.

It was a learning experience, but not one I would want to do twice.

Do circus folks use Ciazarn? From what I've been able to gather, there is some cross-over. I've been googling and all of this is really a fascinating look at Americana.

 

[vanbrat]

Hubby was a carny when we met. He had an independent novelty joint. He was into his second spot of the year when he met me and my son, we ran off together and my family about had a heart attack Dad was going to shot him (and me). We finished out that season and both knew it was not for our family so we became the homebodies our growing family needed joined the PTA and mowed lawns and went to little league games etc...
Now 45 years later we are rethinking it just as a much more local thing... not going more then 200 miles from home and only weekend stuff. We are much too old for the 15 - 16 hour days, 14 or more days at a time. And we don't want to drive 600 -800 miles to the next spot...
The ride stuff was not something he ever did. His dad's family worked stuff as he was growing up and he knew it was not healthy for kids and family.