December 2014
In This Issue:
H John Hanschen on Best Practices H AIMS Safety Seminar H NAARSO 28th Annual Safety Forum H Circle of Excellence Recipients H Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren on H-2B Visas H Montserrat Miller on the EEOC and Pre-Employment Screening
Contents The Official Publication of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association
Features
Florida Week Hotel Announcement A New Look at Best Practices for Carnivals and Fairs IAFE/OABA/SLA Key Events in Las Vegas Circle of Excellence Recipients Registration Now Open for AIMS Safety Seminar NAARSO 28th Annual Safety Forum
10 12 15 16 17 17
H-2B Visas: A Key Program for a Valuable Industry
18
EEOC Makes Announcement Regarding Pre-Employment Screening
19
December 2014
ASSOCIATION 4 FROM THE OABA CHAIR
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS 30 DOT REGULATORY NEWS
The Best is Yet to Come!
6 ASSOCIATION BUZZ Wishing You the Merriest of Holidays and a Great New Year!
8 ON THE EARIE
CIRCUS MEMBERS 34 FROM THE CENTER RING Rodney Huey follows circuses around the country.
36 CAPITOL UPDATE
Tom Powell reports on the industry’s shows, fairs, colorful show folks and amusing events.
Joan Galvin, Government Relations Consultant
37 AS THE WHEEL TURNS
20 PHOTO GALLERY The OABA catches members in action.
Who, what and where are people making news? Here’s the scoop.
20, 26 SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS Jammin’ Jamborees and Contribution Fund Drawing Winners
Facebook www.facebook.com/oabainfo
Twitter @oabainfo
Read with Smartphone Bar Code Scanner
Our Mission: To promote the preservation and growth of the outdoor amusement industry through leadership, advocacy and education.
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
The Best is Yet to Come! Chris Lopez
A
s I am writing this message in early November, the Our management team is blessed with many family members, IAAPA and IAFE/SLA conventions and trade shows but also leaders and Circle of Excellence providers of food are coming up fast, and by the time you read this concessions and some great rides to supplement our arsenal we will know who takes control of the Senate — Republicans or of equipment. Democrats — and whether or not the House of Representatives Reflecting back on this season and the many travels I have will stay with the majority party. These will be interesting made across the country, meeting many OABA members, board times with our President lookmembers and fair management, ing to reform our immigration I can honestly say, so far being system by Executive Order, your 2014 Chair has been the Reflecting back on this season and whomever leads Congress. Maybe ultimate experience I will never the many travels I have made across the forget! My chairman duties consomething will get done early next year. Not only something to country, meeting many OABA members, tinue through January and into deal with the children of illegal February, when the OABA will board members and fair management, aliens, but more importantly for hold another board meeting and I I can honestly say, so far being your this industry, how any immigrahave the honor of conducting our tion legislation will treat our Annual Membership Meeting and 2014 Chair has been the ultimate needs for seasonal, guest workushering in our 50th Anniversary experience I will never forget! ers from Latin America and South Celebration. This means I will Africa. hand the gavel to the very capable I am looking forward to chairing the upcoming OABA board leader, Michael Wood, who follows in his father, Red Wood’s, legmeeting during the IAAPA convention and introducing the acy of serving the OABA. Always the highlight is the inductions OABA/IAFE sponsored keynote speaker, Andrew McCrea, on to the OABA’s Hall of Fame and Pioneer Award recipients. Wednesday, December 10 in Las Vegas. A rancher, author and Last year, my father-in-law, Guy Leavitt, was inducted into the award-winning radio producer of “American Countryside,” OABA’s Hall of Fame along with the late Earl “Butch” Butler. this fellow should be as outstanding as the speakers the OABA It was a huge honor and recognition for both families. This has has sponsored in prior years. Check out the IAFE/OABA/SLA been one event I have always looked forward to at each annual events in last month’s magazine. meeting, along with honoring a “Pioneer” in this industry. Last Having just closed our last big event with the RCS midway year, Bob Childress received the Pioneer Award. at the Arizona State Fair, our family is very happy with the And finally, from Jody and me, and all our RCS family, a results of this year’s fair, as well as the other events startvery Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a healthy, happy ing with the Houston Livestock and Rodeo event in February. and prosperous New Year to all… as the best is yet to come! H
Even after 70 years, we still get a rush from helping our customers through the ups and downs of the amusement business. Haas & Wilkerson offers the most comprehensive and cost-effective specialty programs available to operations like yours. Perhaps that’s why so many clients want us by their side year after year. To find out more, call us today. 800.821.7703 • www.hwins.com Independent agent representing ACE Westchester Specialty Group Programs Division. Most insurance products are underwritten by insurers within the ACE Group of Insurance Companies.
4
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
CALENDAR January 11–16 43rd Annual AIMS Safety Seminar
January 25–30 28th Annual NAARSO Safety Forum
Info: www.aimsintl.org
Info: www.naarso.com
Orlando, FL
Myrtle Beach, SC
February 3–7
IISF Gibtown Extravaganza Gibsonton, FL
February 6 OABA 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Chairman’s Reception
February 24–26 Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Seminar (Spring)
Info: www.paridesafety.com
Sheraton Tampa East Hotel Tampa, FL
BECOME A FAN and win!
No one knows how to finance the outdoor amusement industry like Firestone! · Seasonal payment options · Secured working capital loans · Shows of all sizes · Financing for new and used rides
facebook.com/firestonefinancial
· Financing available for concession trailers, game trailers, generators and more! To learn more, call us at 1-800-851-1001 ext. 42 or email us at websales@firestonefinancial.com
DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
5
ASSOCIATION H ASSOCIATION BUZZ
Wishing You the Merriest of Holidays and a Great New Year! Bob Johnson, OABA President
T
To promote the prese Our Miss io r amusement industry vation and growth n: of th through leadership, a e outdoor dvocacy and education
he Orange County Convention Center, with a of IAFE President Jim Tucker and 2014 Chair Debbie Drefusmillion square feet under one roof, hosted over Schronk from San Antonio. 28,000 amusement industry folks from all over the Our 2015 edition of the annual Midway Marquee will be world attending the IAAPA convention and trade show Novemcalled the Golden Jubilee Marquee, in honor of your associaber 17–21. This month, the IAFE and the SLA will be hosting tion’s 50th anniversary. It will be in the mail in early January to their conventions and trade most of our members, with lots of shows in Las Vegas at Bally’s and interesting historic articles about Paris Hotels the week of Decemthe OABA’s founding from the first Our 2015 edition of the annual ber 7–11. Our board held a meetRevue, published in 1973. Thanks Midway Marquee will be called the ing during IAAPA with a jammedto our advertisers for making this packed agenda covering ASTM, anniversary publication a huge sucGolden Jubilee Marquee, in honor of H-2B lobbying and litigation, and cess, especially our Golden Jubilee your association’s 50th anniversary. our Hall of Fame/Pioneer CommitElite Advertisers. tee announcing the 2015 class of Don’t forget to make your hotel inductees. reservations for Tampa for the IISA trade show, NICA food show We look forward to seeing many of our OABA members in and OABA’s 50th Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Tampa East. Vegas and enjoying all the events and educational programs Please note that the OABA office will be closed for the as possible. The IAFE staff works very hard to present a great holidays from December 22 through January 2, and will convention, and this year is no exception with the leadership reopen on Monday, January 5. H
May the joys and glad tidings of Christmas and the holiday season bring us closer together as one family sharing in this celebration, and may it last well into a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!
6
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
Become Insta”FAMOUS” in our monthly ShowTime Magazine with your outdoor amusement industry Instagram photos! Every month we will be selecting the best outdoor amusement industry related photos and sharing them in our ShowTime Magazine.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
1
Follow @OABA50 on Instagram
2
Tag your photos with @OABA50
3
Use the hashtag #OABA50
ASSOCIATION H ON THE EARIE
On The Earie Tom Powell, OABA News Ambassador
M
ary Brown Talley of Talley Amusements was doubly happy on October 23 after learning that the Texas Star, which she owns with her husband, Tom, was the No. 1 grossing attraction at the State Fair of Texas, their Fast Trax Slide was fifth, and it was the 18th birthday for their daughter, Taylor. She echoed the words of numerous show owners and concessionaires who told me that 2014 might have been their best year ever. And that’s besides the usual pitfalls, including the inability to obtain their Mexican workers through the H-2B program until later than usual. “We weren’t the only ones hurt by the government’s delays in issuing the visas. I know it happened to Rick Moore, Thomas Shows, Reithoffer, and some others.” Nevertheless, she stated that from August on, every spot was up. The slide, built by Fabbri, is the largest in the U.S. “When I told Victor Fabbri that was what I wanted, he said he would build it.” The slide is 200 feet long, 84 feet tall, and 65 feet high.” Of the record $42 million gross at Texas, $13 million of that came from rides. “In my opinion, Dallas is the best fair in the country,” said Talley. “The old timers say business is down in an election year except when a president is running, but I found that not to be true this year.” All dates for the Talley Amusements carnival are in Texas, beginning with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, which will be held January16–February 7, 2015. Besides Dallas and Fort Worth, the slide is set up at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and the Ventura, CA County Fair, both independent midways. In addition to the Talley’s two rides in Dallas’s Top 10, Tom’s brother, Tony, owner of Triple T Amusements, had the No. 6 grossing kiddie ride, a mini-scooter, according to Rusty Fitzgerald, vice president of operations.
8
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
When Fitzgerald listed the top 20 adult rides and top 20 in the kiddie category, Patrick Sheridan’s Alamo Amusements had numbers three through five in the latter category — a Kite Flyer, Winky the Whale and Dive Bomber. Doug Haworth’s Prime Pacific had the top two — a Puppy Express and Lady Bug. Sheridan also had No. 7, a Monkey Maze, and Samba Balloons that finished ninth. I visited with Sheridan and Haworth at the Minnesota State Fair. Doug and his brother, Morey, also own Haworth Family Shows. Doug, a former OABA director, pointed out that early each year he books with Leonard Martin’s 20th Century Shows in Brownsville and Laredo, Texas, along with John Hanschen of Mighty Thomas Shows and others. Of Martin, for whom he has great admiration and who once played basketball at the University of Kansas, Haworth said, “He owns two generators and an office.” I guess they still call that suitcasing. Sheridan, whose dad, Phil, is a legend in the industry, admits he built his business with the State Fair of Texas in mind. He has played it for 18 straight years. “There is nothing I can compare it to in the industry. They continually seek to improve it every year.” Sheridan, who also books food stands, opens his season with Crabtree Amusements at the Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo in Austin, and ends it also with Crabtree at the State Fair of Louisiana. In between, his dates include a couple summer spots with Bill and Mary Johnson’s A Fantasy Amusement Co. in the Chicago area and no less than a total of five state fairs. Sheridan is helped during the summer by his son, Pat, 18, who is a senior in high school. “I am so proud of him. He makes everything worthwhile. The season has been outstanding, one of the best ever,” he said. I hope to see a lot of you at the 47th annual trade show and extravaganza of
the International Independent Showmen’s Association in Gibsonton February 3–7. I know how trade show secretary Teresa Rimes, OABA Director Mike Lauther with Reithoffer Shows, and lots of others feel about Joe Maddon resigning as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays. He did a magnificent job during the years he was at the helm there, and you can bet he’ll wind up managing another major league team sooner than later. I’m guessing the Chicago Cubs. As Steve Swika of S&S Amusements, Bill Alter, formerly with National Ticket Co., Ned Ludes, chairman emeritus of National, and Dick Knoebel of Knoebels Amusement Resort know, Maddon is from the same home town as the late actors Charles Bronson and Jack Palance — Hazleton, PA, which is not far from my birth place, Scranton, and Bob Commerford of Commerford & Sons Animal Attractions, Nanticoke. Swika had a good season with his carnival, which finished its year at the Luzerne County Fair, Dallas, PA. He then operated his Reaper’s Revenge Halloween Attraction for the sixth straight year. According to his daughter, Valerie, it just keeps growing. “We even had snow flurries the last weekend, but that doesn’t keep them from coming.” Steve, a former OABA director, joked that it’s hard to believe people would pay $35 just to be scared. “It’s weird to have something that grosses three quarters of a million dollars, with a profit of $12. I have too many humans scaring other humans. I need animated creatures, but I’m learning.” While he had no rides at the Reaper’s Revenge, Swika did have five rides set up at various area pumpkin festivals. OABA member Knoebel sent me an e-mail that said, “We had a great season, thanks to God and the weather. Our Hallo-Fun weekends did very well. Then we get down to business of winterizing and refurbishing. The area for our new
With Carousel Foods and their famous pork chop on a stick at the Minnesota State Fair, from left, are Dennis and Cheryl Reas and Mike Orme. They are also involved with Storm Services of Cairo, GA.
Charlene and Guy Leavitt, owners of Ray Cammack Shows, were preparing to fly to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest after the Los Angeles County Fair ended.
Three of the main staffers with the James H. Drew Exposition are James Graybeal, center, general manager, with Gary Biddle, left, and Cliff Lowe.
Impulse Roller Coaster from Zierer has been cleared, and drilling has begun for the more than 200 piers.” I have visited the Zierer plant and even wrote a column for Amusement Business that was datelined Egg, Germany. Danny Glosser, Josef Zierer, and Dieter Hopfner were my hosts. That reminds me of one year at the IAAPA convention in Orlando when the late Bill Lowery of Lowery Carnival, who was an OABA director, complained that there was no place to get a beer. I took him by the Zierer booth and that was where his wife, Carolyn, found us, feeling good several hours later. Please send news to tomp@oaba.org, or call 615.319-1258. Have all great days, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God Bless! H
Sandi and John Class had their Flavor Burst ice cream stand at the Minnesota State Fair, where Sandi’s father, the late John Libby, was once the fair manager.
In the show office on the independent midway at the Minnesota State Fair, from left, are Shawn Sandefur, his father, Mike Sandefur, and Dennis Demas, who booked his Rock It ride.
Karen Rutana, left, was being assisted by Megan Gjere at her Original Hot Apple Dumpling food stand in St. Paul. Rutana is based in New Springfield, OH.
Dee and Nick Strates prepared to move their food stand from the Minnesota State Fair to The Big E. It was the 15th straight year for Nick to be set up in St. Paul. “Spaghetti Eddi” Porcelli, Jr. and Bridget Falkowski were working the Spaghetti Eddie Italian food stand at St. Paul.
Mike Heffron is retired as manager of the Minnesota State Fair and now heads up the Midwest Fair Managers Association. From left, all Heffrons, are Pat, Colleen, Mike and Kelly. Kelly’s husband, Adam Heffron, is director of event services at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
Fred Pittroff and his daughter, Stacey (Mrs. Robert) Barona, had another big year with their Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair. DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
9
Come and join the fun-filled excitement in Tampa for
a d i r o Fl k e e W
February 2nd, 2015
Sheraton Tampa East Hotel
10221 Princess Palm Avenue • Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 623-6363
Room Rates: $122 (plus tax) per night for Single or Double Bed Room Complimentary Breakfast and Cocktail Reception Daily For Room Reservations Contact: Sara Murphy - smurphy@farefoods.com or Audrey Poole - apoole@farefoods.com or call 618-542-2155 - Ask for the OABA Group Rate -
Complete supply of all concession products! • Meats • Produce • Frozen Items • Dry Goods • Canned Goods • Paper Products • Fun Foods • Custom Printed Cups
10
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
We look forward to seeing you in Tampa!
2015 OABA’s
50th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Chairman’s Reception HOTEL RESERVATION FORM To reserve hotel accommodations for the OABA’s 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Chairman’s Reception, please complete the following information and fax to Sara Murphy or Audrey Poole at Fare Foods (618) 542-4798 or e-mail smurphy@farefoods.com or apoole@farefoods.com. If you have any questions, please call (618) 542-2155.
Name: First ________________________________ Last _____________________________________ Name of Business _____________________________________________________________________ Permanent Address ____________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________________ State ________________ Zip _________________ Phone _____________________________________ Fax ______________________________________ E-Mail ______________________________________________________________________________ Arrival Date _______________________________ Departure Date ____________________________ Please check room type and indicate the number of rooms needed.
Rooms: King Bed ____________
2 Double Beds ____________
Single or Double Bed Rooms $122.00 per night (plus applicable taxes) *Complimentary daily breakfast buffet included with your stay. (limited 2 per room)
Return completed form and payment to: Fare Foods, P.O. Box 407, DuQuoin, IL 62832 Ph: (618) 542-2155 • Fax: (618) 542-4798 E-mail: smurphy@farefoods.com or apoole@farefoods.com Credit Card Number to guarantee reservation: Master Card Visa American Express Discover Credit Card No. _____________________________ Exp. Date:____________ Signature: _______________________________________________________
Complete supply of all concession products! • Meats • Produce • Frozen Items • Dry Goods • Canned Goods • Paper Products • Fun Foods • Custom Printed Cups
*Limited number of rooms available! RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE THROUGH FARE FOODS BY JANUARY 2, 2015 to receive this special reduced rate. Visit www.sheratontampaeast.com for additional hotel information.
DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
11
H FEATURES
A New Look at Best Practices for Carnivals and Fairs — A New Practical Review — 2014 By John Hanschen, Thomas Carnival, Owner OABA Trustee and IAFE Associate Board Member
T
en years have clicked by since OABA and IAFE gathered to negotiate and publish Best Practices for the Fair/Carnival Relationship. The OABA is Outdoor Amusement Business Association, the mobile amusement industry’s trade group for the past fifty years; and the IAFE is International Association of Fairs and Expositions, a non-profit association of fairs and expositions, formed in 1890. These two associations in 2004 proceeded to hire a facilitator to push the discussions to conclusion and define the “vital few” elements of the relationship, which were identified as: Communications, Financial Formula, Operational Guidelines, Legal/Legislative/ Liability, and Ethics. On the tenth anniversary of the effort, 2014, freshly-elected IAFE board members Judy Duncombe (Utah State Fair with 29 years of service) and John Hanschen (Thomas Carnival, Inc. with 39 years of experience) decided they would evaluate their companies’ interactions at the 2014 Utah State Fair from a Best Practices viewpoint.
Communications
From left, state fair employees Gary (59 years in the fair office), Travis (grounds), Greg (facilities director), and Roger (emergency medical technician).
Seems like we do pretty good. Email, cell phone, trade association meetings, the opportunities are there. The State Fair operational team has a daily 9 AM logistics session led by Greg Warner, Fairpark Director of Facilities. Police, security, parking, carnival, gates, administration and ticketing all attend to review yesterday’s issues and predict today’s. Utah State Fair has a phenomenal lost children recovery process, an intense series of communications via radio until the tot (or the parent) is found. Because the fairgrounds uses every square foot
of space, golf cart escorts are provided for entertainers, cattle trailers, vendors, or special guests, anyone who needs to move about the grounds. Those with bicycles get a special permit to bring them on grounds, but it must be “walked” when the fair is open. I always feel funny (and look funny) walking my bike, but rules are rules. The carnival is given a radio to monitor fair security, and we can radio in when there is an issue. Weakness: there is so much fair information to pass down to our carnival workers and it’s hard to accomplish verbally. We could use a daily fair fact sheet, and we could use it in English and Spanish. The Fairpark Executive Director, Michael Steele, addressed our troops on opening day, and that is so important for our workers to know who runs the fair — and they do a much better job and feel included, when a fair management stops by and greets individual workers from time to time.
John:
Judy:
John Hanschen, Thomas Carnival, and Judy Duncombe, Utah State Fair, both newly-elected IAFE board members, decided they would evaluate their companies’ interactions at the 2014 Utah State Fair from a Best Practices viewpoint.
12
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
Fair staff and board members alike have expressed appreciation for the communication efforts by John and other Thomas Carnival staff. We are informed in advance of expected arrival of various components of the show and are contacted by their “first on site” member for discussion of parking, access, hookups, etc. During the fair John has been gracious to open his doors to anyone interested in seeing their operation from the inside — adding to our overall knowledge and understanding of the specific needs and requirements of the carnival business. Honest and open discussions of fair hours and promotions and carnival hours and promotions have resulted in a few changes for the betterment of all.
spells out dress code and conduct, primary contact information for both fair and carnival management, protocol in the event of an emergency, etc. This could be expanded to include additional carnival specific content.
Legal, Legislative, and Liability Judy:
From left, John Hanschen; Roger Beattie, Utah State Fair Chairman; and Michael Steele, Utah State FairPark Executive Director
Financial Formula Judy:
Our contract spells out the dollars and cents breakdown very clearly, and there has never been a question of how the tickets and funds are accounted for and by whom. The fair provides tickets and wristbands which are returned, with an accounting, by the carnival on a daily basis. For the last couple of years staffing levels have not allowed us to perform thorough audits of the returned tickets and wristbands until after the fair – which is something we should improve on. Additionally a future contract should contain specifics relating to complimentary tickets, to spell out a quantity which is equitable for both sides.
Limiting liability for both parties should be a priority. Safety of the carnival is a question that we occasionally hear from the local media and attending public, and we are quick to point out the independent inspection that takes place prior to opening. In the event of an injury, Thomas Carnival staff is quick to notify our on-site first response staff and afterward assist in a review to ascertain if it could have been avoided. Fair staff keeps the carnival in mind when reviewing any state or national legislation that could negatively impact either of us. A special thanks to the carnival’s efforts this year when the fair office was contacted by a patron with ADA needs — they went above and beyond to accommodate her and make the experience a good one.
John:
Since there is no state ride inspection, our contract calls for us to provide and pay for an independent, third-party, ride safety certified contractor service for the opening inspection. This inspector communicates with the fair manager about the carnival’s inspection. We like having this inspection or a state inspection, as these folks are trained and give us another set of eyes with a good inspection. Customer and worker safety are the top priorities in daily carnival operation. When an injury
John:
John:
Utah State Fair puts it all in writing—the prices, the hours, the specials. Judy has always been careful about that. There are dozens of other items we address verbally during the week. We don’t keep a checklist. If we did, we might avoid repeating mistakes. Utah State Fair and Thomas Carnival spent some long hours last winter studying our business pattern, resulting in a reduction in carnival hours totaling 13 hours for the week. We implemented the plan, income was maintained, and costs were lowered. The plan was a smashing success, in my mind, and helped our workforce.
Judy:
Most of the components addressed in the Best Practices document exist — just not in a concise, compiled manner that is readily accessible. A few, as John alludes to above, need to be put into writing and included in a future the compilation, to avoid being overlooked or miscommunicated in the future. We distribute a handbook to all of our part time Fair staff that
ASS ORDER! P E ID R T N E EC FOR YOUR R N PASS ONE SRIDEESSFOSRIO ONLY ONE SESSION ITED S / NO CASH VALUE / NO UNLIM NO REFUND
RAINCHECKS
________ ____________ _______ _________ ___ ___ T:_ EVEN TS
NAME:_____
S & T MAGIC
AMUSEMEN
IDE PASS UNLIMDITRIDEESDFORR ENTIRE EVENT
wristband office for a on only. Amusements S & T Magic e named pers pass at the Valid for abov No refunds. Exchange this ited rides for one day. hed. properly attac not d good for unlim tban wris Offer void if
ITE S / NO CASH VALUE / NO RAIN UNLIM NO REFUND
CHECKS
No. 0001
Operational Guidelines
THANKYOU
ic S & T Magnts Amuseme
No. 0001
I think our contract terms are clear and fair and we follow them. Utah State Fair provides the tickets and we account for them. We provide gross reporting in a timely fashion. I think our system is transparent and easy to understand and audit. I think the fair could be more aggressive in checking our numbers. Like all fairs, there are so many functions happening in a short period of time, it’s hard to do. And maybe they are doing some invisible auditing, too. And that’s okay.
_____ ____________ _ _________ _________ EVENT:____
___ NAME:_____
S & T MAGIC
AMUSEMENTS
wristband office for a Amusements for above S & T Magic e named event. Valid refunds. pass at the abov attached. No Exchange this ited rides during the d not properly good for unlim . Offer void if wristban on only named pers
dence and confi ur support yo te a ci ! re rs We app ast 20 yea over the p
America’s #1 Outdoor Amusement Business Printers!
APHICS SPOTLIGHT GR 0 941.929.150 s.com tgraphic
barb@sponttlerigAvhe., Sarasota, FL 34238 6054 Clark Ce
DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
13
Ethics John:
Jeff and Kari Vernier with Utah State Fair Sales and Marketing Director Jeff Kooring in front of completed sand sculpture at 2014 Utah State Fair occurs, beyond any pain suffered by the individual involved, it is incredibly stressful for carnival and fair management. When illnesses or accidents occur, Utah State Fair has a top notch first aid/paramedic team, consisting of Utah State Patrol staff and contracted EMTs, on site. They know how to get around the grounds and are seasoned professionals. I think these guys could write up the Best Practices manual on first aid procedures, and their human skills are extraordinary. Many carnival managers find that dealing with guest or employee injuries is the toughest part of their job. I would agree with that.
14
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
Quoting the best practices document: “the best approach to forging a successful relationship is for the parties to define their goals, establish positive lines of communication, and ultimately learn to trust the integrity of the other party. All disclosures of information between the parties should be accurate and truthfully given. Safety should never be compromised for the sake of cutting costs or improving profitability. Fair, honest, and responsible business operations are a must. The public interest should be place above that of the individual, fair and/or carnival at all times. Fair and mobile amusement operators should structure their actions so as to observe all statutory requirements related to the exchange of gifts, rides passes, game toys, food, and hospitality. Social interaction among the parties is acceptable as long as a balanced exchange of gratuities is observed. The respective codes of ethics of OABA and IAFE provide guidelines that should be embraced by the parties.” That’s a lot to live up to. The 2004 Best Practices committee set high standards. It’s up to us to make it happen. This is an exhilarating industry; we are lucky to be involved. The last word is yours, Judy.
Judy:
This is a broad issue, with many components open to interpretation by an individual. To me, if the first four issues discussed are properly addressed, this one becomes less complicated. As we complete this review of our working relationship, we are proud to say we feel that both the Utah State Fair and Thomas Carnival, our midway provider, are fulfilling the vision of collaborative action that was developed by the IAFE and OABA to assist us. H
FEATURES H
2014 IAFE Annual Convention December 7-11 – Paris & Bally’s Hotels, Las Vegas
IAFE/OABA/SLA Key Events in Las Vegas Sunday, December 7 6 PM – 8 PM
Wine and Dine and IAFE Foundation Auction Additional Fee – Inquire at the IAFE Registration Desk
Monday, December 8 11 AM – 4 PM SLA Exhibitors’ Lounge Trade Show Open 4:15 PM – 5 PM
SLA Annual Meeting and Installation of 2015 Officers
Tuesday, December 9 9 AM – 10 AM SLA Memorial Service 10 AM – 11 AM Board Meeting 11 AM – 4 PM
SLA Exhibitors’ Lounge Trade Show Open
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM How Can Our Boots on the Ground Help the Carnival Industry Survive Into the Future? (Presented by OABA) Panelists: Joan Galvin, Kelly Drye & Associates; Gregg Hartley, Cloakroom Advisors; Chris Lopez, OABA Chair with Ray Cammack Shows; Mick Brajevich, Butler Amusements; E. J. Dean, Fiesta Shows Moderated by OABA First Vice Chair, Michael Wood 5:30 PM – 6 PM
IAFE Associates Board Selection Credentialing Meeting (All OABA board members who are IAFE members should attend)
6:30 PM
SLA Cocktail Party
7:30 PM – 11 PM
SLA President Dale Merriam’s Banquet & Ball
Wednesday, December 10 9:15 AM – 11 AM
General Session Presentation of Institute of Fair Management Scholarships & Graduates OABA-sponsored Keynote Speaker – Andrew McCrea
3:15 – 4:30 PM Things You Always Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask (Presented by OABA) Panelists: Rusty Fitzgerald, State Fair of Texas; Greg Stewart, Central Washington State Fair; Michael Wood, Wood Entertainment Co.; Andy Deggeller, Deggeller Attractions and Bill Johnson, A Fantasy Amusement Company Moderated by: Bob Johnson, OABA President 5:00 – 7:00 PM IAFE Awards and Reception OABA Circle of Excellence Awards presentation Thursday, December 11 8:30 AM – 9 AM IAFE Continental Breakfast 9 AM – 9:45 AM
IAFE Business Session
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Closing Keynote Speaker – Joel Zeff DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
15
H FEATURES
T
he Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) will recognize the following members as meeting some of the highest standards of safety, quality and service in the outdoor mobile amusement industry, having achieved the coveted OABA’s Circle of Excellence recognition for the years 2014 through 2018, during the IAFE Annual Convention and trade show, on December 10 in Las Vegas.
Carnival Recipients 2014 - 2018 A Fantasy Amusement Co. – Bill & Mary Johnson Funtastic Shows – Ron Burback
Concessionaires & Attractions 2013 - 2017 Arlington’s Best Concessions – Mary Johnson Avanti Amusements – Jeff Lapin Gudenkauf Concessions – James Gudenkauf KT’s Concessions – Katie de Swardt Lucky Ducky Concessions – Robert Thorson S&H Concessions – Christine Hoss
Through independent, third-party audits and criteria established by the OABA’s Excellence Committee, these members scored highly and exceeded generally accepted industry practices and standards in their midway presentation, operations,
16
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
concessions, human resources, and other criteria, to improve the overall public perception of their business. This program brings into play the fundamental principles of the OABA’s Foundation for the Future program, which is a strategic vision and an ambitious set of industry goals, with the purpose to educate and produce change. As members of the OABA’s Circle of Excellence, these companies have improved the business climate and guest relations for their fairs, festivals and other event sponsors, while enhancing the public’s perception of the mobile amusement industry. Please join the OABA’s Board of Directors as well as the IAFE’s Board of Directors in recognizing them for this extraordinary achievement. These companies continue to strive for operational excellence and the highest level of guest satisfaction in the mobile amusement industry. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2015, the OABA is the largest industry trade organization representing members of the mobile amusement industry, primarily in the United States and Canada. Serving over 2,500 members in this generational, family industry of carnivals, food and game concessions, independent ride owners, and the circus industry, the OABA provides educational programs, promotes and advocates on behalf of the mobile amusement industry, and provides members with up-to-date communications via publications, electronic news and social media networks on relevant, newsworthy topics of interest. H
FEATURES H
Registration Now Open for 43rd Annual AIMS Safety Seminar and Certification Program
R
egistration for AIMS International’s 43rd Annual Safety Seminar is now open and available online. This comprehensive seminar, to be held January 11–16, 2015 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Orlando, Florida, offers classroom and hands-on safety training along with invaluable networking opportunities for ride inspectors, maintenance, operations and aquatic personnel in the amusement industry. With more than 300 students expected, the seminar is renowned for its diverse curriculum and the quality of its expert instructors who are today’s leading industry professionals. Tuition is $595 and includes all class materials, lunches, two daily breaks, Continuing Education Units (CEU), and completion certificates. AIMS certification testing and other certificates are offered at an additional fee. Level I testing is available in
National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) 28th Annual Safety Forum
N
AARSO is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 28th Annual Safety Forum to be held in Myrtle Beach, SC from January 25 through January 30, 2015. Register to stay at the Ocean Dunes/ Sand Dunes Resort for only $72 all-inclusive rate for single/double occupancy. In addition to our up-to-date classes, we are excited to preview our Advanced Operations classes for those individuals wishing to take the new Level II Operations exam being offered on Thursday, January 29. Our hands-on inspection activities will take place on Wednesday at Broadway at the Beach. The full brochure can be found on our website, www.naarso.com, under Seminars. Tuition cost is $445 and includes classroom material, lunches, coffee breaks, and a banquet at the end of the seminar. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Connie at the NAARSO office, 813-661-2779 or by email at naarsoinfo@aol.com. Come join us as we continue our mission of Safety Through Communication. H
Spanish. A complete schedule and class list along with hotel and other information can be found at aimsintl.org/ss-seminarinfo. For more information about the AIMS Safety Seminar, please email info@aimsintl.org or contact Holly Coston, Seminar Operations Manager, 714.697.6654.
About AIMS International AIMS International is a non-profit 501(c)(6) association dedicated to improving amusement industry safety through its leadership in education. AIMS International provides training classes and certification (CEU) programs for ride inspectors, operations, aquatics and maintenance personnel through its annual Safety Seminar and at other venues throughout the year. AIMS also serves to inform its members on legislative and other issues relating to industry. H
FEATURES H
THE
EXPERTS
IN FOREIGN LABOR FOR THE ust ry! Mobile Ente rtainment Ind
With over 30 years experience in getting the job done! Full service filings with the US Dept. of Labor, US Dept. of Homeland Security, Customs & Border Patrol and The Dept. of State! Recognized as the industry leader in legislation, regulation, litigation and compliance.
Now is the time to start working on your labor needs for 2014! Email or call today! CARNIVAL.WORKFORCE@GMAIL.COM | (956) 748-0550
WWW.JKJWORKFORCE.COM
DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
17
H FEATURES
H-2B Visas: A Key Program for a Valuable Industry
F
By Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren
ew federal programs have been as integral to the continued success of the outdoor amusement industry as the H-2B temporary worker visa. As many of you well know, outdoor entertainment’s seasonal nature and demanding travel requirements pose enormous difficulties for employers seeking enough workers in the United States to fill their position needs. Now, as our economy continues to improve and previously-unemployed Americans return to work in greater numbers, this challenge will likely become even more acute. Fortunately, the H-2B program provides an important way to hire temporary workers from other countries, rather than facing the possibility of shutting down operations altogether. I am particularly conscious of these unique workforce needs, as the outdoor amusement industry has made a meaningful impact on my district in California. In fact, Earl “Butch” Butler, co-founder of Butler Amusements, lived in San Jose, as does the company’s current CEO. A family-owned business, Butler Amusements has contributed many valuable services to strengthen our community over the years and I am proud of the company’s connection to my hometown. The strength and viability of the H-2B program is critical not just to San Jose, but also to communities all over the United States. In fact, states, counties, churches, Kiwanis clubs and many more hold fairs and carnivals in every congressional district in the nation. These events rely on the H-2B program to provide families with the timeless fun and excitement that Americans have enjoyed for many generations. Without the H-2B program, future generations of Americans may not be able to enjoy the rides, foods, sights, and sounds that are timehonored traditions throughout the United States. And in turn, without the funds generated at these events for the civic and charitable organizations that so often sponsor them, communities around the
18
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
country would undoubtedly see more needs go unmet. The H-2B program, of course, benefits many other industries whose needs are similar to those of the outdoor amusement industry. Hospitality and tourism, seafood harvesting and processing, landscaping, and forestry are also seasonal in nature and in turn have difficulty finding domestic workers to fill their essential jobs. The H-2B program allows them to continue operating when not enough domestic workers are available, helping businesses stay open so that they may provide valuable services and products to the American people. The program is also important for local economies because these businesses bring in increased revenue to their local communities. Without the H-2B program many businesses would be forced to close or scale back, which could have a detrimental effect on the local economy. Additionally, many businesses that use the H-2B program also employ many American workers who depend on the continued vitality of these businesses for their livelihood. Simply put, the H-2B program often helps create and preserve jobs for American workers. It is for these reasons that I appreciate the value of the H-2B visa program and welcome improvements that can be made to it. I know the outdoor amusement industry has been frustrated in trying to garner proper recognition of the special difficulties they face. Rest assured, I will continue to work to reform the program in a responsible manner so that it is more robust and also more flexible to accommodate the various needs of the many different industries that rely on it. I believe this can be done without sacrificing important labor protections for American and foreign-born workers alike. At the same time, it is important to remember that the H-2B program is not the only immigration program that is long overdue for legislative reforms. Throughout our entire immigration system, both families and employers have long been making do with laws that simply no longer make sense. Our current immigration system does not meet the needs of American families any more than it meets the needs of American businesses. Our economy, both locally and nationwide, is bolstered
by — and sometimes built upon — the work of undocumented immigrants. It is no wonder that families and businesses have, for years, been forced to work around our broken immigration system rather than within it. In the 113th Congress, we had a real opportunity to reform our immigration laws in a sensible, bipartisan fashion. Unfortunately, that did not happen. As we look to the 114th
Congress, I will once more be looking for opportunities to work across the aisle to reform our immigration system from top-tobottom so that it can the meet the real needs of our country. In doing so, I will not forget the unique needs of the outdoor amusement industry that plays such an important role in so many communities around the United States. H
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren California, 19th District Zoe Lofgren has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1995. She represents the 19th District of California, based in the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” San Jose. A lifelong Bay Area resident and the daughter of a truck driver, Zoe attended public schools in Palo Alto and attended Stanford University on a scholarship, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1970. She served as a member of Congressman Don Edwards’ staff for eight years in both his San Jose and Washington DC offices. Following Congressman Don Edwards’ retirement in 1994 after 32 years in Congress, Zoe was elected to the House of Representatives. She currently serves on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, and the Committee on House Administration As the highest ranking Democrat and former chair of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and a longtime immigration attorney and law professor, Zoe is recognized as an established champion of comprehensive immigration reform and a national leader in immigration policy. Zoe is married to John Marshall Collins and is the mother of two children.
FEATURE H
EEOC Announces a Cooperative Agreement with a Background Screening Company Regarding Pre-Employment Screening By Montserrat Miller
O
n September 30, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it entered into a “cooperative agreement” with a background screening company regarding its implementation of revised policies and practices to ensure that its pre-employment screening complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Genetic Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), and civil rights laws’ anti-retaliation provisions. Janet Elizondo, director of the EEOC’s Dallas District Office, stated, “Increasing employment opportunities through forward-thinking hiring and recruitment models is what both the EEOC and businesses should support. In doing so, it is important for the EEOC to engage not only with employers directly, but also with their business partners who play an important role in facilitating connections between jobs and jobseekers.” Note the last part of Elizondo’s statement, “it is important for the EEOC to engage not only with employer directly, but also with their business partners who play an important role in facilitating connections between jobs and jobseekers.” According to the EEOC’s press release, the agreement with the EEOC acknowledges the company’s “…proactive changes to screening policies and practices, employee training guidelines and website information, to ensure compliance with the ADA and GINA with regard to applicants. It has assured that a job applicant’s medical history and any civil rights, personal injury, or workers compensation claims made by an applicant against his or her prior and present employers are not
inquired into and will not be disseminated to prospective employers.” The Houston-based company works with job applicants as an “employment agency”, according to their website, as well as a pre-employment screening company. H
Montserrat Miller Montserrat Miller began her career as a trial attorney with the Immigration and Naturalization Service handling, among other cases, employer sanctions matters. Over the years she’s worked in private practice and on Capitol Hill as counsel to Senator Dianne Feinstein on the Senate Judiciary Committee. She is a partner in Arnall Golden Gregory’s Privacy and Consumer Regulatory, Immigration and Global Migration, and Government and Regulatory practices.
Wing Industries Gull Wing Working with the Carnival Industry since 1989 Contact us at:
www.gull-wing.com
Pack-Man 175 kw or 250 kw Quiet Power Tractor or Trailer Mounted
GFlex 400 Amp
309 N.E. 1st Street P.O. Box 128 Alta, IA 51002 Toll Free: 800-838-1482 Fax: 712-200-1936 DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
19
ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Photo Gallery
Jammin’ Jamborees
OABA Visits Thomas Carnival
PROGRAM
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 Jammin’ Jamboree Totals
Frank Ferguson, retired show owner and OABA board member from the 70’s, visited the Thomas Carnival during teardown in Kinder, LA. Next to Frank are Jackie Bossman,, Della and Dennis Bossman, their other two daughters Breanna and Alyssa, Della’s mother Wanda Whalen (who was married to Frank’s business partner, Ed Whalen, who ran the Harry Burke Shows), John and Carolyn Hanschen (Carolyn’s father, Bernard Thomas, was an OABA founder), and Paul Atkins, 43 year carnival veteran and auctioneer/emcee at over 50 OABA jamborees during a 25-year period.
LA County Fair in Pomona, CA
Jerry Damon, OABA member who is sight impaired, winning a gold ribbon for his display of crafts at the LA County Fair in Pomona, CA.
OABA Visits the Coastal Carolina Fair
At the Coastal Carolina Fair in Ladson, SC, from left, OABA Director Rob Vivona, Amusements of America; Jerry Pitts, fair safety chair; OABA President Bob Johnson; Joe Bolchoz, safety and media relations chairman; and OABA Trustee Dominic Vivona, Amusements of America, opening the spectacular midway.
20
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
NAME/All Star Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,911 West Coast Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,525 Rosedale Attractions & Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,218 NAME/Mid America Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11,610 Butler Amusements - Lance’s Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,176 Reithoffer Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,020 NAME/Astro Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,654 T. J. Schmidt & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,187 A Fantasy Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,145 Twentieth Century Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,139 GoldStar Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,025 Thomas Carnival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,020 Skerbeck Bros. Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,638 Fiesta Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,183 Butler Amusements - Mick’s Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 PBJ Happee Days Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000 TOTAL $162,451
2014 OABA Jammin’ Jamboree Schedule
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 Amusements, Louisville, KY . . . . . . . Aug. 19 T. J. Schmidt & Co., Southgate, MI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 27 Rosedale Attractions & Shows, Upper Marlboro, MD . . . . Sept. 3 NAME/Mid America Shows, Centreville, MI . . . . . . . Sept. 17 Thomas Carnival, Ft. Smith, AR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 21 NAME/Astro Amusements, Tyler, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 25 Fiesta Shows, Topsfield, MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 1 Powers Great American Midways, Goldsboro, NC . . . . Oct. 1 Reithoffer Shows – Orange Unit, Shelby, NC . . . . . . . . Oct. 1 GoldStar Amusements, DeRidder, LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 5 Crabtree Amusements, Waco, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 10 Belle City Amusements, Gainesville, FL . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 22 Reithoffer Shows – Blue Unit, Pensacola, FL . . . . . . . . Oct. 22 Mitchell Bros. & Sons, Baton Rouge, LA . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 29 Amusements of America, Charleston, SC . . . . . . . . . Nov. 6
Powers Great American Midways – Goldsboro, NC
Dean Corl, left, with the winners of the pumpkin carving contest, Brad Urwin and Hila Urwin.
As always, thanks to Corky and OABA Director Debbie Powers and everyone on the show for a great Jamboree. It’s a team effort! The winning pumpkin!
Winners of the costume contest were Alecia Hansen, left, first place, and Martin Ledinson, runner up.
Al DeRusha, left, is pictured with two Ninja Warriors, R.D Thomas and Marc Janas. Corky Powers, left, thanks David Neurohr for the use of his “I Got It” tent for the Jamboree. Ron Thomas and his pretty wife, Marie. Ron does a great job with the live auction.
Running the silent auction were Linda Terhune and Stephanie Corl.
These four beautiful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toured the midway selling Jamboree tickets; from left, Tamara Thomas, Tracy Thomas, Amy Powers and Tiffany Janas.
Thanks to R.D. Thomas for designing the Ninja Turtle go-cart. DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
21
ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Jammin’ Jamborees continued Mitchell Bros. & Sons – Baton Rouge, LA Gus Mitchell and his wife, Colleen. Many thanks to Colleen and all the ladies who prepared the great Jamboree dinner. Florence George made sure Al DeRusha was fed.
Mitchell Bros. & Sons danced the night away at their Jammin’ Jamboree in Baton Rouge. Two pretty cousins, Teri Dean and Della Bossman. The live auction guys, Chris Woods and Cole Reeves, Noah’s Way Exotic Petting Zoo.
Michele Westerbuhr with her OABA shirt.
Yep, we told you to duck! Pie mania is always a fun event.
Having a fun time were Sheriff John George and Jill Mitchell.
Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Chairman Emeritus Gus Mitchell, left, visits with Jim Miller and son Bo. J.H. Martin and Chairman Cliff Barton are proud of the Bo is Chief Little Wolf’s great-grandson. front page coverage on the second day of the fair.
22
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
Gus Mitchell on the receiving end of a pie.
GoldStar Amusements – DeRidder, LA GoldStar Amusements held an OABA Barn Dance Jamboree in DeRidder, LA.
The little cowboys and cowgirls — future OABA members. Having a fun time line dancing at the barn.
Al DeRusha, sporting his Jamboree shirt, is flanked by show owners Mike and Connie Featherston. Mike is an OABA trustee.
Entertaining the Jamboree party were, from left, Jessica Bessette, Melissa Erasmus and Marcus Jones.
Thanks to Angelo and Jena Rosati and everyone who donated auction items. A fun game – one hand behind your back and the first one to empty the tissue box is the winner. Jewells Erickson was the highest bidder for the GoldStar canvas chair.
Tim Bessette, left, and Mike Featherston, Jr. working the live auction.
Jason Manuel with his OABA 2014 Tour jacket. Richard Hanson auctioned off a beautiful metal wall hanging fleur-de-lis New Orleans Saints logo, donated by Jeremy Solem. It sold for $400.
Junk in your trunk — a box filled with plastic balls is tied to your behind. The first to shake it empty is the winner. DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
23
ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Jammin’ Jamborees continued Belle City Amusements – Gainesville, FL
Belle City Amusements held their OABA Jammin’ Jamboree in Gainesville, FL.
Charles Panacek presented $100 cash to the first place winner in the costume contest, William Messamore.
Jeff Blanton, the master chef, cooked 200 steaks.
Over 35 carved pumpkins were in the carving contest. The three winners were, from left, Tyla Jade, Angel Davidson and Todd Bohlander.
The decorations and the costumes were fantastic; Miss Mary Panacek, center, with Nick and Debbie Viscomi.
The live auction guys were Todd Bohlander, Willie Rice and Zack Panacek.
Rhonda Webber with her new OABA jacket.
Jesse Adams call the Panacek family to the stage for a very important surprise announcement. The highlight of the evening: a marriage proposal to Charlotte Panacek!
24
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
Congratulations to Charles Panacek and his very pretty fiancé, Sheri Lapadula. They’re planning a May 2015 wedding.
Jesse presented a beautiful engagement ring. Congratulations and many blessed years!
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
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.
26
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
Bates Bros. Amusement Co. Amusement Plus B&D Enterprises Bates Bros. Amusement Co. Bates E.L.I.T.E. Bates Entertainment Campi’s Concessions Creech Concessions D&S Enterprises
Dills Concessions Fain Concessions Fowler Concessions Glo Concessions Guinsler/Carousel Concessions Molnar Concessions Panachek Concessions Ross Concessions S&S Entertainment Steven’s Concessions
2014 OABA Contribution Fund Ray Cammack Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75,000 Reithoffer Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,095 Powers Great American Midways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,850 Deggeller Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,905 Frazier Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,435 Luehrs’ Ideal Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,120 Rainbow Valley Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,900 NAME/Mid America Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,210 Skerbeck Bros. Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,150 NAME/Astro Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,050 A Fantasy Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2900 S&S Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,790 NAME/Amusement South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,515 NAME/Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,065 Thomas Carnival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,030 Rosedale Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,764 Strates Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,665 Poor Jack Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500 NAME/All Star Amusement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,220 Elliott’s Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,090 Crabtree Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,020 Calkins Midways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Showmen’s League of America-St. Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Bates Bros. Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 990 Doolan Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625 TOTAL $165,889
October Drawing Winners BRONZE
Shelby Royal Reithoffer Shows $300
SILVER
Bob Thorson A Fantasy Amusement Co. $400 Tracy Duck Crabtree Zip & Bounce Amusements Line $200 Powers Great American Sheila Cassata Midways NAME – Southeast $300 Amusement $100 Luehrs’ Ideal Rides Luehrs’ Ideal Rides $200
GOLD
Bradbury Family Ray Cammack Shows $500 Bryan Creason Ray Cammack Shows $400 Lopez Concessions Ray Cammack Shows $300
Sutton Entertainment Taylor Concessions Calkins Midways Ava Holtz Julia Holtz Kathy Holtz Chuck & Lynn Waterman Crabtree Amusements Marina Carraza Tracy Duck Karen Gibson Melissa Kibby Lemon Girls Pat Martinez Amber Nemeth Barrett Nemeth Big John Nemeth Brittany Nemeth Danni Nemeth David Nemeth Dolores Nemeth Jackie Nemeth Jackson Nemeth Jacob Nemeth James Nemeth Jennifer Nemeth Johnny Nemeth Madison Nemeth Paul Anthony Nemeth Paul Nemeth Paul’s Concessions Cas Sheridan Patrick Sheridan Philip Sheridan Cheryl Wiggins Deggeller Attractions Candy Anderson Any Name Jewelry Barrett’s East Coast Foods – Dennis Rowland Bobo Concessions Brandon Concessions – Alex Brandon Brandon Concessions – Barry Brandon California Boys CF Variety Beverly Chapman Chen – Name Art Chen – Pictures Cypress Enterprises, Inc. – Jamie & Andy Deggeller DEA Games – Andy & Jamie Deggeller Deggeller Attractions – Candy Anderson Deggeller Foods – Cathy Deggeller Dizon Food FABCO – Jason & Angela Floyd Fairplay Games – Dale & Sharon Negus Jeremy Floyd Gabrielle’s Face Paint Gail’s Face Painting
Gone Country Heidi & Wendell – Raiders Higginbottom Chris Hopp – Bull Hot Stuff & Co. – Bonnie Jacobson Mike Huskey 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 Smith Sose Males Stuart Confections T&T Concessions Teacups – Heidi & Cliff Elsperman Upsplash Yoyo Caricature 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 David Belcher Pat Blomsness Beverly Chapman JPB, Inc. Libbertts Concession Christian Lopez Jason Marotta James Mayhew McKinney Mike O’Connor Dave & Tasha Potopas Dave Tuell Carl Waggoner NAME – Southeast Amusement Co. Greg Belanger Roch Bourbonnais Buttazoni Steve Campbell Sheila Cassata Gary Cording Ron Dalgliesh Tony Diaz Steve Dobson Ardo Gidaro Bobby Hauser, Jr. Bobby Hauser, Sr. Danny Huston Kurt Lillemo Buni Lombard Nick Mays NAME – Southeast LLC George Oldham Greg Oldham Jeff Opdam Dave Potopas Tasha Potopas Mike Zdebiak Rainbow Valley Rides Lorraine Kedrowicz Reithoffer Shows Tony Albanese Gary Alberry Mike Bronchik Wesley Burnett Wilbur Cooke Doug Dills John Doolan Russ Harrison 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 Michael Reisinger Susan Shreve S&S Amusements Andrew & Britt’s Novelty Andrew & Son’s Poster Andrew’s Balloon Andrew’s Blockbuster Andrew’s Cork Gun Andrew’s Fishy Fish Andrew’s Ring Toss Andrew’s Waterrace BAJ’s Bottle Up BAJ’s Cork Gun BAJ’s Duck BAJ’s Poster BAJ’s Ring Toss Britt’s Basketball Britt’s High Striker Britt’s Long Range Butch & Josh Novelty Butch’s Balloon Butch’s Bebe Gun Butch’s Duck Butch’s Fish Butch’s French Fry Butch’s Fry Butch’s Funnel Cake Butch’s Kiddie High Striker Butch’s Novelty Butch’s Machine Gun Butch’s Skeeball Dennis’s Animal Show Dennis’s Horse Show Elsie’s Lemonade Jimmy’s Break a Bottle Jimmy’s Fish Jimmy’s Fishy Fish Jimmy’s Gun Ball Jimmy’s Long Range Jimmy’s One Ball Jimmy’s Shark Jimmy’s Sponge Bob Jimmy’s Tubs Josh’s Novelty Kenny’s Bozo Larry’s Ball Larry’s Balloon Larry’s Bebe Gun Larry’s Bowler Larry’s Bowling Ball
Larry’s Fish Larry’s Floater 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 Balloon Michael’s Family Balloon Bust 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 Popcorn Michael’s Ring Toss Paula’s Pretzel Princess Pizza S&S Monkey Maze Tim’s I Got It Vince’s Steak Wilbur’s Sausage Skerbeck Bros. Shows Tim & Cindy Koleff
SILVER
A Fantasy Amusement Co. Katie de Swardt Charlotte Gudenkauf James Gudenkauf Jim Gudenkauf Bill Johnson Mary Johnson Jeff Lapin Mike Romano Denise Ryals Bob Thorson 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. NAME – Mid America Shows Don Azbell Randy Bertram CISCO Gary & Lori Crabtree Mike Curry
DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
27
ASSOCIATION H SERVICES, BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Contribution Fund continued Ray DeFrates Decal Pros Nick Douglas Amy Huston Blake Huston Cooper Huston Danny Huston Diane Huston Lucy Huston Richard Huston Bill Lordy Main Street Grill Troy Meadows Michiana Facepainting Justin Peperak RANN Sales – Ray DeFrates Eldon Runyan Chaudry Sattar – MJSS Ent. Sara Smarr Jerry Syler Sr. Powers Great American Midways Amy Albert Balliet Bear Chen
Cisco Constantine Corl Dave’s I Got It Debbie Doolan East Coast Air Ruthie Evans Fonzone Gail Gillette Hopp Billy Hortsman G. Ianni Steve Ianni Steve Ianni, Jr. Janas Jason Brad Klingenhymer Liang Chris McGuire McKnight Mike Mythic Pam Mike Panchek
PGAM Eddy Powers Raymond S. Ristick Willie Ryan Schenck Chris Sherbert Teddy Jeremy Thomas Ron Thomas Tracy Thomas Tomlinson Brad Urwin Jill Wells Piers Weston-Burt Zip & Bounce Line
GOLD
Ray Cammack Shows Jim Bradshaw Bradbury Family Bradbury Kids Brian Bradbury Jacqueline Bradbury Matthew Burton Nathan Burton
Bryan Creason Tracy Creason Kincaid Dwyer Joyce Hutchins Ashley Kastl Cameron Kastl Savannah Koehl Joseph Lewis Vanesa Lewis Lopez Concessions Dylan Lopez Kade Lopez 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 Mad Hatter Mary Ousey
Michael John Ousey Mike Ousey Robert Ousey Jayce Pacheco Dominic & Kim Palmieri Ethian Perez Ben & Joy Pickett Andrew Schoendienst, Jr. Steve VanderVorste
2015 Memberships Sold Tracy Creason Ray Cammack Shows . . . . . . . . . Heidi Elsperman Deggeller Attractions . . . . . . . . . . Debbie Powers Powers Great American Midways . Niki Skerbeck Skerbeck Bros. Shows . . . . . . . . . Wanda Folks Goldstar Amusements . . . . . . . . . Andrew Schoendienst, Jr. Luehrs’ Ideal Rides . . . . . . . . . . . Doug Burtch T.J. Schmidt & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . Carly Skerbeck Skerbeck Bros. Shows . . . . . . . . . Lisa Shuper NAME/International . . . . . . . . . . Brad Dallman Bates Bros. Amusement Co. . . . . . Michelle Farrow Rosedale Attractions . . . . . . . . . . Patti Power NAME/Mid America Shows . . . . Darla McMurran West Coast Amusements . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
TOTAL 650 28
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
OABA–Duke Smith Memorial Education Fund 2015 SCHOL ARSHIP
Statement Of Purpose The Mobile Amusement Industry, Inc. (MAI), through its OABA–Duke Smith Memorial Education Fund, is interested in furthering the educational goals of young people within our industry. The youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow and will require the education necessary to be competitive in an increasingly complex business environment. Individual and company contributions to the OABA–Duke Smith Memorial Education Fund and the annual generosity of Allied Specialty Insurance Company and Gold Medal Products provide opportunities to eligible applicants for financial assistance with advanced education.
CallingAll YoungWriters... 2015 Essay Contest
If you’re between the ages of 10 to 18, this is your opportunity to win a cash prize and show your friends, parents and relatives how well you can write by entering the 2015 Essay Contest, sponsored by the OABA–Duke Smith Memorial Education Fund. The essay contest winners will be announced at the OABA’s Annual Meeting in Tampa in February. Winners will be selected by the Mobile Amusement Industry, Inc. board members. There will be two $250 cash prizes for winning essays — one for the 10-13 age group, and one for the 14-18 age group. In addition, the winners of our essay contest will have their essays published in ShowTime magazine to be read by over 5,000 people in the outdoor amusement industry! So, don’t hesitate and don’t be shy — start putting some thoughts on paper for the topic, “What have you learned from working with foreign guest workers in our industry?” Submit your essay with a maximum of 500 words or less, via e-mail to oaba@oaba.org by December 31. Be sure to provide your name, address and phone number, along with your age, at the top of your essay so we can contact you in the future. H
Eligibility Requirements H Each applicant must be a member in good standing of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association.
H Each applicant must be a graduating high school
senior or a continuing student at a university, junior college or trade school or be employed in the mobile amusement industry. Each applicant must have plans of attending an accredited educational institution or trade school of their choice for their continued education.
H
Scholarship applications and all supporting documentation must be received by the OABA by December 31, 2014. Students who have applied for and/or received scholarships in the past are eligible to reapply by submitting updated transcripts and autobiography. (The deadline for fall transcripts is January 16.) If you are an OABA member, go to www.oaba.org, Member Area, Member Programs, Education and Industry Training Scholarships, OABA–Duke Smith Memorial Fund Scholarship, then click on Applications for forms. Or call the OABA office at 800.517.6222 for more information. IMPORTANT: Applications and/or supporting documentation received after the deadline WILL NOT be submitted to the scholarship committee for consideration! H
Look out for our new Concession Catalog to see our full line of new products!
DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
29
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS H DOT REGULATORY NEWS
DOT Regulatory News FMCSA Requests Approval For ELD Vendor Registration The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval of a new registration procedure for vendors of Electronic Logging Devices (“ELDs”). 79 Fed. Reg. 64248 (October 28, 2014). The FMCSA has previously proposed a rule to mandate the use of ELDs by all drivers of commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce who are subject to the Record of Duty Status requirements. To ensure consistency among manufacturers and devices, functional specifications for ELDs were published as part of the proposed rule. Under the proposal, ELD providers will be required to certify their compliance with these functional specifications. Providers will also be required to register their compliant devices with the FMCSA. The ELD
30
providers will self-certify and register their devices with FMCSA online via an application Form MCSA–5893, “Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Vendor Registration and Certification.” Once completed, the agency will issue a unique identification number that the provider will embed in their device(s).
and subsequent explosion, was caused by the truck driver’s failure to ensure that the tracks were clear before traversing an ungated highway-rail grade crossing. The NTSB also said that the truck driver’s distraction due to a phone conversation on a hands-free device at the time of the crash contributed to
The FMCSA also intends to maintain a list on its website of the current ELD providers and devices that have been certified (by the providers) to meet the technical specifications. The information will be available for fleets and drivers to find a compliant ELD for use in meeting the FMCSA regulations on ELDs.
the collision. Among the recommendations the NTSB made as a result of the investigation was to extend the limitations on the use of portable electronic devices to prohibit the use of hands-free cellphones by all commercial driver’s license holders while operating a commercial vehicle. Current FMCSA regulations allow the use of hands free devices. The NTSB report also: H found that the limited sight distance at the crossing due to vegetation and roadway curvature and inadequate federal oversight of the trucking company contributed to the collision; H noted that the motor carrier
NTSB Recommends That FMCSA Ban All Use Of Hands-Free Cell Phones On October 22, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a report determining that the May 28, 2013 train/truck collision in Rosedale, Maryland, which created a 15-car derailment
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
demonstrated “a consistent and serious pattern of noncompliance” with federal motor carrier regulations from the time that the company registered as a carrier until the crash, and found that the FMCSA was aware of problems with the carrier but did not take adequate steps to ensure that the carrier complied with federal regulations; and, H found that a lack of oversight of private road/ rail crossings poses a risk to the safety and health of motorists, train crews and train passengers, as well as to surrounding communities. HOS Coalition Seeks Congressional Contacts On Appropriations Bill An Hours of Service Coalition led by the American Trucking Associations is asking interested companies to contact members of Congress to support language sponsored by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) on the Driver
Hours of Service Restart Study. Sen. Collins’ language, which is currently in S. 2438, the FY2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, would stay the enforcement of the July 2013 changes to the 34-hour restart rule (using the restart once every 168 hours, and including two
Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics. The Pocket Guide is a compilation of statistics from the overall state of the industry to enforcement activity, details on traffic violations and other incidents, the costs of crashes, and more. The data indicate that from 2009-2012, the number of fatal crashes involving at
periods of 1 AM to 5 AM) until the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has completed a study on their effects on carrier and driver operations. The House and Senate are expected to consider including this language in a FY2015 spending package during the lame duck session. To date, both chambers appear committed to moving such a package and there has been no objection to including Senator Collins’ language as passed last May in the Senate Appropriations Committee by a vote of 21-9. Opponents of the provision are now claiming that its passage would increase truck driver working and driving hours – a claim that is wholly misleading. The Coalition members are asked to continue calling for immediate relief from the FMCSA’s new Hours of Service Restart rule, and to ask House and Senate members to support Senator Collins’ bipartisan language from S. 2438.
least one large truck (over 10,000 lbs. GVW) increased from 2,983 to 3,464. In the same period, the number of injury crashes involving a large truck rose from approximately 51,000 to 73,000. In addition, the number of crashes involving release of a hazardous materials cargo rose from 2,462 in 2009 to 2,748 in 2012. Crashes involving large trucks operated by a private carrier rose from 18,727 in 2009 to 21,270 in 2012. Crashes involving large trucks operated by carriers with both for-hire and private authority rose from 8,281 in 2009 to 9,604 in 2012.
FMCSA Releases 2014 Pocket Guide To Large Truck & Bus Stats The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has released its 2014 Pocket
GAO Recommends Improvements To Tracking And Reporting Of Highway Spending A new report from the Government Accountability Office recommends improvements in the way the Federal Highway Administration tracks and reports on spending from the Highway Trust Fund. The FHWA obligated about $41 billion in fiscal year 2013, most of which ($39 billion) was apportioned to states through the federal-aid DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
31
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS H DOT REGULATORY NEWS
DOT Regulatory News continued highway program. But the GAO found that the FHWA does not collect and report aggregate project-level data for the majority of projects on a routine basis, and recommended a more consistent reporting basis, especially for smaller projects. The adequate tracking of FHWA spending on highways and
standard, but cannot speak English, the ability to read and write in English is sufficient to satisfy the Englishlanguage requirement. The FMCSA explained that the English-language rule
should not be construed to prohibit operation of a CMV by hearing impaired drivers who can read and write in the English language but do not speak, for whatever reason. Apparently, some hearing
impaired drivers had been told by state licensing agency officials that they do not meet the English language requirement essentially because they do not speak. H
bridges is increasingly critical as the Highway Trust Fund revenues decline over time. FMCSA Issues Guidance On English Language Rule For Drivers The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published regulatory guidance concerning hearingimpaired drivers and the requirement that all CMV drivers must be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public and respond to official inquiries. 79 Fed. Reg. 59139 (October 1, 2014). The agency stated that for hearing impaired drivers who have been granted an exemption from the hearing
Through the smiles, the seasons & the miles – Financing everything for the outdoor amusement industry since 2000.
Prairie Financial The outdoor amusement Division of Boulevard Bank
Paul Muller
pnmuller@blvdbank.net
Wade Muller
816-554-3863
Mark Walker
blvdbank.com/outdoor-amusement
wmuller@blvdbank.net mwalker@blvdbank.net
32
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
A division of
AMusement today
NEW DIGITAL EDITION exclusively for print subscribers INSIDE:
Garner Holt’s career began in backyard - PAGES 52 & 53
TM & Š2014 Amusement Today, Inc.
www.amusementtoday.com
October 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 7
WWA anticipating great things for Annual Symposium and Trade Show
AT FILE
few years ago.� Ezra said this year saw openings that represent some of the best and most innovative new facilities located in North America, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. And 2015 is shaping up to launch more amazing properties in Europe, Asia and the United States. Highlights of this year’s event are anticipated to be experienced in the show’s extensive education program. There will be a vast offering of water leisure education and training programs, which will, in turn, feature some of the industry’s most experienced operators, developers and suppliers. Even though the event
officially kicks off on Oct. 27, programming actually begins on Oct. 25 with certification courses and lifeguard programs. “Providing the strongest education program possible for waterpark operators is what we promise to our members and this year’s program is one of the best ever,� Root said. “Our illustrious speaker round-up features the biggest brands in the business including: Great Wolf Resorts, Splash Kingdom water park, Six Flags, Disney’s water parks, Zoombezi Bay, Hurricane Alley, Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Water World, Grand Lodge Resort Waterpark, just to name a few.�
4See WWA, page 4
iPad
2014
eview
es 6-9
: Pag
Pr .com oday mentt muse
Park
.a www
+
TM &
May
Š2014
Dolly
ment
Amuse
2014
Today,
e2
• Issu
,G press
ser Ex
eCha ns Fir d ope
woo
’s new wood ily Dolly ss fam r Expre es tophase FireC aster featurund the co ng aro queue roller themi and notch station the ride’s ride’s During rs on area. Dolly chee ter wa t, debu rs as their res to pa hte firefig igade pre in onto t tra urse. et br buck h the firs co the nc lau WOOD COUR
TESY
ster Express. d to y coa FireChaser we wanteily lridouer famsteilry Minem, forperfectmpforlishwh. Itatis; hea fam lps tel but n
TM &
4 Amus
t Today , Inc.
24 PAGES OF WATER PARKS NEWS – INSIDE
TO CRIBETODAY SUBSM ENT 220 E S U AM 7) 460-7 (81
CK
EN TI
done edin yon gly ›’Â?ÂŽÂœČą righ somethi Š—Â?Čą mate-co ŠĴ›Š t: providinng ÂŒÂ?’˜— ntro g conn ÂœČą ected lled envi ’—ȹ Šȹ Œ•’for its to a ronm a cent kid frien resort kno ent dliness ury. wn for half It took of plan mor ning e than six mak ing to years and ’£ŽȹŠ ȹ—Ž choose and decision ČąÂ?‘›’ wou ld both Â•Â•ČąÂŠÄ´Â›ÂŠÂŒÂ?Â’custompark complim Â˜Â—ČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?Čą ’s Tom Œ˜›” popular Nola ÂœÂŒÂ›ÂŽÂ Čą Canyon ent the of operation n, vice the pres s tight, Œ˜ŠœÂ?Ž›ȹ Š—Â? Blaster scribed the coasfor the parkident print dom e-roofedČą Ä™Â?Čą ’—Â?˜ fect add ter , de̞– left by the Čą facil ition Žȹ›’Â? â€? to as “the perfoot ity’s Rim ÂŽÇŻ S&S~Sa El Loco Runner- ›’Â?ÂŽÂœČąÂŠÂ— arsenal the encl But on of two osed , from eral Â?ȹŠĴ nsei gies, ›ŠŒÂ?Â’ weeks Feb. 18, Tech doze Čƒ •ȹ ing nolo n wild Inc., perf of exte after sev- somethi Â˜ÂŒÂ˜ČąÂ˜Ä›ÂŽ Â˜Â—ÂœÇŻ and Â›ÂœČąÂ˜Âž nsiv acro mouse-o orms its Loco ng med batics ia teas e test- perience they have ›ȹÂ?žŽœÂ?ÂœČą n-steroi — an wild and d family-fwith prec ds mou acrobatic ing, El in a chat before,â€? never ex, inve S&S~San se-style fort ision rien with rting day just with AmuNolan said in the dly com ˜Â?Čą ˜Â? sei Tech coaster from exit on outside thesement Toconfi dram loose Š—ǰȹ Â?Š‘ nologies open enjo coaster’s , ing Čą Adventu nes of atic Â?˜– inside TheČŻČą ꗊ••¢ȹInc., and y El Loco day. Circus ÂŽČąÂ?˜› redo The ’s twis “Riders drop ŒžÂ?Čą Circ Adv ȹ’Â?ÂœČąÂ˜ me at s in the park us. It imit entu ts, ĜŒ’Š replaces Â•ČąÂ˜Â™ÂŽÂ—Â’Â— re- for y to our such clos turns ’s five-acr 20-yeare prox an insta othe Â?ÇŻ r old, Shoot e Rim 4See nt, they rides that the Chu Runner , EL LOC get the te ride COU O, pag senADV RTES . ENT Y e
2014
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID FT. WORTH TX PERMIT # 2069
l. materia Dated STER: 2014 POSTMA RUSH! il 25, PLEASE Friday, Apr Mailed
Š201
emen
DOLLY
R SPAPE NEW
It is
My acco citing ve tea on fireme creati manu- that is ex lunteer vo labora rschend !â€? mride acry of surprises a custo , He rman them lly- sto the tfit me t in the Ge help Do rford has so cked ou hter ou ed Ruthe nttoday.com . knew er could ir goal. plains De firefig lly open d tur me nn the Y: Scott d s ex ted cia ne en offi STOR rford@amuse RGE, Te ars, fac mplish invite . Ow desig Parton selec and FO 14 sruthe 29 ye ily co od’s Pete er was N system Dolly e to media 20, 20 ss ad lau e wo PIGEO the past rst ste rid rid FireMarch ser Expre ring and why Ge e the has come the the ests on ha erent vid be ing eC — Du od diff n pro Fir is din uld gu all a to w wo to natio “This at wo Dolly y ne done in’ in into desti tions going ed for wh Express. have last “M folks go d that’s teaches op evolv nment has food live Chaser project we in the , an t it d tai and directions fun, bu too,â€? sai enter mptuous inning nd y er rst co idl n, su se -w unde than rstlau rap lot of press lesso with award also re be a th Ge . They r Ex ride rtant t it’s e thrill ass wi ven years doing mo want an impo “FireChase s — fire and s. Bu -cl se are — we heroe inds the n. show ng a tru world topt we ng a ride ate an ex ,â€? Parto es our rem to tha mi be it the d cre beco Home lebrat n all creati enjoy and ch as wooden just l a story an ilies to have ce hters — we ca up and su t park. ad fig a tions step stery to tel e for fam . “We us tha Mys- rest of we’ll just er it’s in attrac Thunderhe 04), My AT rk perienc th d da wi (20 if tol er/ eth d ast s rated coaster lauer roes ers, wh el co wing Owen ry please t Gerst . It he way.â€? 4 ve firs roller (2007) ste ld Eagle lp oth or a big , page wood been ne, the in the U.S to he way WOOD Mine d the Wi Dolly Mi built trying e small ), al of tery an DOLLY nc were ghter (2012 ride arsen 4See ing er Eurofi story we the experie true coast an evolv d ly is the se e ate fit d cre offers rofile rides. cials wi was e sam offi tell an nted. Th high-p t park t there wa ey Bu tha ed. Th t we tha be fill nized recog niche to ed a ride for t still a they need citemen as ex knew provide th children rs ito s wi d vis could familie seasone at may re Th both . to mo ills as well g for thr cult thing ged lookin like a diffi od mana esse seem t Dollywoth the fin m fro bu off wi expect mer do, ll it to n the to pu s come untai any Herha INSIDE one y Mo April : 2014 Smok rent comp EntertainFood the k comand its pa Family Adve | Vol. 18 • Issue to ac The the tas e Conc and able lish 1 ntured essio STO rid ns. d RY: Dea ss is ns dlam ensio l-size Spot schen To accomp exciting n anna al, @am Lamanna ome’ser Expreysi light usem cal dim ate ful ch appe entto : ment. ating an day.c Page LAS eCha s Elph om VEG the -board s 7-14 modAS, Nev mmod the 39-in last Lo s, Fir ers and coasters two . —ate acco of cre ross-the atively co t Over ed str en rid in this deca rs des, ch tion ac ne illu rolle have dese west ww rt cork oto with ing a relt requirem od ger of ng lapba o’ve rea laun phwed ched destinas scre lang wh wo eti loop thrille w.amusementto and deeven, ran ed, ch wiatop includ er heigh s, Dolly rst- As thimost uoro ildren a0usly coilerat 1,00 d teWith a al day.c r at C rid feet up.du all ch THERFORD inche d to Ge r moda al- sm om ivi towerto est ‘’Â?‘ at leas ind ČŹÂ™Â›Â˜Ä™Â•ÂŽČą ircus t 39 ne t two hase tire s OT T RU ›’Â?ÂŽÂœČą wn in’ them of jus again tur is FireC Š—Â?Čą sucht. AT/SC e parkdo one Circu Š—ȹ fam- trabeen s oon adjacenten 14 ultcasin em Ž—s dism resortuir once The result nched ad to havi The Adv antl 7, 20 ng ed in lau t req entu Circ igh that also dual- e no other. l- indo lauer. ber 5Hotel redome at time, co viveheorus fun & Casi Circus ss, a lik em y er pt pre no park ull — ast Ex d family the local that has the ccessf ler co DS | Se debu entertain vicissitud surily rol ving su AR t es in 1993 as Gran ment sinc of AW Ha e its — has d Slam exce Can ET
Inc.
18 | Vol.
uer erstla ted
GOLD
PAPER
New programs and education sessions as well as new products on the trade show floor will greet attendees at the 2014 WWA Symposium and Trade Show, set for Oct. 27-30, at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas. Coordinators of the show are very excited about the show this year, saying they expect attendance to be high and those attendees will be able to not only participate in the sessions and workshops but also browse the 100,000 plus square feet of trade show space.
E: INSID
NEWS
“The new water parks and attractions that opened in 2014 offer outstanding examples for success,� he continued. “We are pumped to be headquartered back in the heart of ‘the entertainment capital of the world’ – Las Vegas!� Root said the association is particularly excited about being in town with two new water parks to explore, Cowabunga Bay and Wet’ n’ Wild Las Vegas. Both parks have seen strong responses to their leisure offerings. “Nothing makes operators and suppliers happier than seeing water park attractions live and in-person and hearing answers to operational questions during behind-thescenes tours of new facilities,� Root said. Aleatha Ezra, WWA director of park member development, said they are expecting attendance figures to increase over the last time the association was in Las Vegas in 2012. “This is due in large part to the fact that the industry continues to expand on a global scale,� Ezra said. “In fact, we are seeing parks being built around the world that people only dreamed about a
Specific education program highlights include: •Water Slide Dispatch Operator Training: New this year, this half-day course will highlight key concepts and basic principles for loading and dispatching guests onto water slide attractions. Presented jointly by aquatic safety and risk management experts, Jeff Ellis & Associates, and ride operator training professionals, International Ride Training (IRT), attendees will leave with hands-on techniques and concepts. •Reclaim Those Sponsorship Dollars: Land Mutually Beneficial Sponsorships & Partnerships That Yield Additional Revenue & Build Good Will: In this workshop attendees will find new ways to sell, package and promote what they have to potential national and locallevel sponsors and business partners. •WWA University: Waterpark Maintenance School: Back by popular demand, this fullday water park maintenance workshop features top industry experts presenting topics designed to help water park operators improve their periodic, routine and preventative maintenance programs. There is an abundance of other topics that will be addressed during the sessions including design, development, expansion, maintenance, food and beverage, social media, training and merchandise. Root said in addition to
POSTM PLEASE ASTER: Dated Mailed RUSH! materi al. Friday, March 21, 2014
NEWSPAPER
POSTMASTER: Dated material. PLEASE RUSH!
Mailed Thursday, September 25, 2014
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — World Waterpark Association (WWA) coordinators of the 2014 WWA Annual Symposium and Trade Show are anticipating big things this year when members and suppliers get together later this month for the event. The 2014 symposium is set for the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 27-30. The trade show will run Oct. 28 and 29. The WWA last hosted its show in Las Vegas in 2012 and the turnout for that event was the association’s strongest since 2006. “Early indications show we are going to have a strong turnout this year, both on the park operator and supplier side,� said Rick Root, WWA president. “In fact, our exhibit hall is essentially sold out. We are employing all of our creative floor planning skills to add more booths to the hallway areas of the Paris Conference Center to meet the demand for booth space.� This year, attendees can expect to browse 100,000 plus square feet of exhibit hall space. The hall is expected to be full of innovative water park related goods and services. “Every WWA convention showcases the newest developments in the industry, from inspiring ideas and best practices to exciting product and attraction innovations,� Root said.
PRSRT US POSTSTD AGE PAID FT. WORT PERM H TX IT # 2069
STORY: Pam Sherborne
psherborne@amusementtoday.com
4
SU AMUS BSCRIBE TO EM (817) ENT TODA 460-72 Y 20
URE THE CIRC DOME AT US CIRC US
2014
GOLDE
N TIC
KET
AWAR DS
| Sep
tember
5-7, 20
STD PRSRT TAGE US POS D PAI RTH TX FT. WO # 2069 PERMIT
14
Access all of the professional NEWS content you expect from Amusement Today right on your tablet, phone or laptop! Plus, it’s Android and iOS compatible! Subscribe the print edition for $50 per year and receive the digital edition free! amusementtoday.com/subscribe
ASSOCIATION H CIRCUS MEMBERS
From The Center Ring Connecting & Protecting the Circus Industry! Rodney Huey, RAH PR Strategies OABA Circus Media Consultant
F
or most traveling circus folks, December is a time for reflecting on the past season and planning for the next season. Most recently, the fall of 2014 provided us with a feast of circus celebrations for reflection. First and foremost, highwire daredevil Nik Wallenda twice traversed an inclined wire (once while blindfolded) from Chicago’s Marina City’s west tower to the Leo Burnett build-
help students deal with stress and anxiety.” But you don’t need a college degree to know that the circus can provide a cure-all for whatever ails us! The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is presenting its second circus poster display this year — “Ladies of the Ring.” The exhibition recognizes the achievements of famous female aerialists from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries. Assistant
ing on a windy November 2 evening. The daring walk 500 feet above the Chicago River broke two world records and was carried live on Discovery Channel. In early October, Wallenda was honored by the installation of a permanent historical marker at the intersection of Island Drive and Marina Plaza in Sarasota, FL, the site of a 2013 Wallenda walk. Legendary Ringling aerialists “La Norma” Fox and Willie Edelston were also recently honored as the newest inductees into the The World Acrobatics Society’s Gallery of Legends. Fox performed on the single trapeze and was a stunt double for actress Betty Hutton in the Oscar-winning movie “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Edelston was a member of the Flying Hartzels and still teaches aspiring young flyers at Sarasota’s Sailor Circus Academy. The Westchester Circus Arts group of Tarrytown, NY offered its fall lineup of classes, and presented “Nevermore,” a circus-themed play based on Edgar Allen Poe’s poem The Raven and created by WCA founder Hilary Sweeney. The Frederick, MD-based circus skills group Theatricks held a midfall, six-week “mini-mester” circus camp taught by co-founder and former Ringling headliner clown Tom Dougherty. The Chicago-based 3Arts nonprofit performing group awarded a $25,000 grant to Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi to continue teaching and choreographing circus acts for its theatrical productions. 3Arts supports female artists, artists of color and artists with disabilities. Ms. Hernandez-DiStasi and her husband Larry cofounded The Actors Gymnasium in nearby Evanston in 1995. The Circus Conservatory of America of Portland, ME, the “first circus college in the country” slated to open in the fall of 2016, presented a preview of what students might expect in classes. Among the outstanding artists/performing faculty was Krin Haglund on the Cyr wheel, acrobat Cory Tabino, Ariele Ebacher on the tight wire, and Josh Oliver (CCA’s technical director) on aerial straps. Vice President and Academic Dean Hillary Webb labeled the preview “a huge hit.” Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus hosted the Homecoming Carnival in early October as a campus-wide fall activity. The University of Minnesota took advantage of circus popularity by hosting Cirque De-Stress, a mental health fair “designed to showcase the many on-campus resources to
Curator of the Circus Museum Jennifer Lemmer-Posey explained that while these colorful posters served as effective marketing tools, they “chart the change in the status of women over that hundred years.” Also at the museum, animal trainer Kay Rosaire will present a seminar on female animal trainers on December 2 in the Museum’s Historic Asolo Theater entitled “Collecting Recollections — Beauty and the Beasts.” Meanwhile, all five of the Mesa (AZ) Arts Center fall exhibition spaces are filled with circus-themed art objects. The displays feature circus arts and culture through paintings, sculptures, photographs and other art installations. The displays will run through early 2015. In the “what will they think of next” department, the Four Seasons Health Club in Bloomington, IL offered Circusmania as “a new circus arts fitness class.” The avant-garde Circus Electronica concluded its 11-city fall tour in late October. Produced by brothers Dan and Ben Talmi, the show is a “mix of aerial and ground acrobatics set to electronic dance music.” The brothers describe their over-thetop show as “Cirque du Soleil meets Electric Daisy Carnival.” For those not-in-the-know, EDC is “the largest electronic dance festival in the country.” On the more traditional side, Big Apple Circus is still pulling in crowds and garnering strong media reviews at New York City’s Lincoln Center. Broadwayworld.com dubbed Metamorphosis, “a gentle and innocent circus” while the New York Post found the show to be “intimate and fun.” BAC will be in Manhattan through January 11. Most American traveling circuses are now back in their respective winter quarters and thinking about next year’s shows. Coles Bros. Circus is in DeLand, FL while Carson & Barnes and Kelly Miller circuses are at home in Hugo, OK. Universoul is off the road, and several smaller, family-based traveling shows have returned to the Sarasota area. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Legends is on hiatus in Orlando while an intense rehearsal schedule is underway for the all-new Circus Xtreme edition at the Feld Entertainment World Headquarters in Ellenton, FL. The new show is being described as an “X-HILARATING adventure with X-TRAORDINARY circus artists and magnificent X-OTIC
34
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
animals!” Circus Xtreme offers an impressive mix of veteran and newcomer artists, and opens January 1 in Tampa, FL. However, if you can’t wait until 2015 to see a live show, catch Ringling’s new, single-ringed Built to Amaze! Nutz and Boltz Holiday Edition in West Palm Beach, FL on December 23–28 before it kicks off its regular two-year tour in Ft. Myers, FL on January 2. Also, the Annual Showfolks Circus will be presented at Sarasota’s Robarts Arena on December 13, and across town, Sailor Circus’s Holiday Spectacular, entitled
“The Enchanted Wand,” will be presented December 27–30. Showfolks will also host a special holiday dinner honoring sideshow impresario Ward Hall on December 20. Out west the Zoppe Family Circus presents a special holiday performance schedule in Chandler and Tucson, AZ beginning December 26. And on a sad note, the circus world mourns the death of Struppi Gertrude Hanneford, 83, who died November 1. Thank you, Struppi, for so many wonderful circus memories! H
2014 Circus Fund The Big “E”/NAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,804 Circus Producers Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000 Forepaugh-Lubin Tent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,005 John F. Cuneo, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Have Trunk Will Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Kathleen Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Zoppe Family Circus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 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 Lisa A. Dufresne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Paul Gutheil – in loving memory of Struppi Hanneford . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Edward C. Todd – in memory of Bob MacDougall & Pat J. Todd . . . . . . 200 Brian Liddicoat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 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 Forepaugh-Lubin Tent – in memory of Struppi Hanneford . . . . . . . . 105
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 Allan Kirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Rosaire’s Riding Academy & Pony Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Robert J. Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 James B. Rittle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Serge Coronas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Wayne Scheiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Robert Faust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Paul Gutheil – in fond memory of Arthur Duchek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Ken Holehouse – in memory of Father Jack Toner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Dan Kroeger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Terrell Jacobs-Dennis Gilli Ring/Terrell Jacobs Tent . . . . . . . . . . 50 Janeen Wilds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 George Self . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Norman Waycott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Misc. Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
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
$19,339
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 DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
35
ASSOCIATION H CIRCUS MEMBERS
Capitol Update By Joan Galvin, OABA Government Relations Consultant
A
s I write this, the midterm elections are next week and the final frenzy of campaign activities is playing out all day every day on cable and network. One thing I’ve come to notice is how often these activities take place at a state or local fair. Politicians of all stripes clearly recognize the value of these venues as a wholesome, American backdrop for their messages and the heart and soul of so many of our communities! In October, I had the opportunity to attend a national dairy conference in Texas. It was interesting to note many of the similar issues that challenge both of our industries. Immigration remains the top priority for the agriculture sector. Access to a legal and reliable source of seasonal and supplemental foreign workers is key to protecting and growing jobs and maintaining core operations, but also to issues of safety and, for animal agriculture, welfare. Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack was the keynote speaker and one thing he said really jumped out at me — the average age of a farmer in the United States is 58. The need to attract, inspire and retain young people in agriculture is key to the future sustainability of a key component of our economy that feeds not just Americans, but the world. Think for a minute about the role that the mobile amusement industry plays in doing just
36
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
that! With our support for youth programs such as 4H and future farmers, as well as the scholarship programs and opportunities to showcase American agriculture, you are playing a vital role across the country in attracting and recruiting young agriculture professionals. We need to remind our lawmakers of that connection as we work to secure a more robust and reliable H-2B program! On the animal issues front, we are seeing an uptick in local activity as fall rolls in and we will likely see even more as state legislatures gear up for their annual sessions. The active grassroots involvement of the mobile amusement industry including Circus Fans of America and the county/ state fair sectors weighing-in with these local municipal/county decision makers can make all the difference. And so we will continue to ensure that the OABA, representing the mobile amusement industry, has a strong voice. Finally, a new issue is emerging in the midwest and south that could impact animal operations across the country this year. The animal activists have turned their attention to OSHA — both federal and state — as an avenue to file baseless complaints about worker safety in an effort to restrict or shut down animal attractions. We met with the OSHA office in Toledo during the recent Elephant Managers
Association’s annual conference to learn more about OSHA’s role in oversight and to share information about industry animal management best practices and safety. The bottom line is this: OSHA has a legal obligation to investigate any and all complaints — big, small, repetitive or otherwise. Because most of what they are looking for with regard to animal handler safety is likely already a part of your basic operational protocols, we need to better focus on how to anticipate their questions, capture the basic elements from our existing best practices, and be prepared to present the information they seek in a concise way. There will be more discussion about OSHA, USDA and state regulations concerning circus animals at our Annual Circus Committee meeting, scheduled for Friday, February 6 in Tampa. Happy Holidays to all! H
ASSOCIATION H AS THE WHEEL TURNS
Making News...
IN MEMORIAM
Struppi Hanneford Passes Away It is with a heavy heart that we express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of long-time OABA member Struppi Hanneford, who passed away last month. Struppi was today’s “Grand Dame” of the circus industry. She will be missed by so many.
Linda Fernandez, Fun Factory, Inc., Receives Governor’s Award
A memorial service will take place in December. A mass will be held at St. Martha’s Church, which will be officiated by Father Hogan. A reception will follow at the Circus Showfolk’s Club in Sarasota.
Schmidt and Arnold Families Welcome Baby Terry and Sandy Schmidt, owners of T.J. Schmidt & Company, and Sandy’s parents Ivan and Agnes Arnold, owners of Arnold Amusements, celebrated the birth of Marley Louise Schmidt, daughter of Josh and Hannah Schmidt, born August 23. She weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. Marley is the first grandchild for the Schmidt’s and the first greatgrandchild for the Arnold’s.
RMH is honored to present the Governor’s Award for Exemplary Service to the Retail Industry to Linda Fernandez, President & CEO of Fun Factory, Inc. A native of Phoenix, AZ, Fernandez was raised in a successful, entrepreneurial family. After marrying the late Kane Fernandez, she moved to Hawaii and became active in the Fernandez family business, running the games and food operations at carnivals and fairs state-wide. In 1976, as she and Kane stood in the rain at the Punahou Carnival and saw people leaving and their profits disappearing, they decided they needed to establish an indoor amusement center. Thus, Fun Factory was born, and the first opening was at Pearlridge Center in 1977. Fernandez’s stores are now located in every major mall throughout the islands and for 38 years, generations of Hawaii’s families have enjoyed Fun Factory’s indoor entertainment centers as a gathering place for family and friends. She has even expanded her business to the mainland. Fernandez is recognized for her innovative designs and the creation of custom environments to complement shopping center developments. Jungle Fun at Ala Moana Center is themed to the endangered animals in the world. Through her honor roll and scholarship programs, she awards students who earn A’s and B’s in their academic subjects with Fun Factory tokens at the end of each report card period. Each year, $25,000 of financial assistance is provided to 20 students in their freshman year and five students in their sophomore year at the University of Hawaii, rewarding their academic excellence. Additionally, tuition waivers are provided to the 20 freshmen through Fernandez’s partnership with the University of Hawaii. The majority of these scholars are former Fun Factory honor roll students. Fernandez is an entrepreneur who continuously enjoys developing new and exciting concepts. Her newest venture is the development of the Johnny Rockets franchise for Hawaii and Guam. H
SUBMISSION H AS THE WHEEL TURNS Announcements or suggestions can be emailed to oaba@oaba.org DECEMBER 2014 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
37
ASSOCIATION H MARKET PLACE & ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
MARKET PLACE
Advertisers’ Index DECEMBER 2014 ADVERTISERS Allied Specialty Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC
JKJ Workforce Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Amusement Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Lifetime Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Berk Paper & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Twister / Maverick Moser . . . . . . . . . . . . $399,000 Disco Zamperla . . . . . . . . . . $399,000 Drop Tower / Trailer Mount ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299,000 Kite Flyer Zamperla . . . . . . . . . . . $99,000 Tornado / Trailer Mount Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . $109,000 Scooter 1800 / Trailer Mount Majestic . . . . . . . . . . . $224,000 Drop Tower Moser . . . . . . . . . . . . . $89,000 Americana Carousel 28’ Chance . . . . . . . . . . . $119,000 1989 Orbiter / Trailer Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $205,000 Sea Dragon / Trailer Mount Chance . . . . . . . . . . . $189,000 Nitro / Freak Out Style Ride Zamperla . . . . . . . . . . $379,000 Baja Buggy / Trailer Mount Zamperla . . . . . . . . . . . $59,000 Pharaoh Fury . . . . . . $449,000 Eli #16 Trailer Mounted Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $199,000 RequesT A CoMpleTe lisT Call Len Soled or John Coburn
908-526-8009 VisiT ouR Web siTe http://www.rides4u.com
38
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | DECEMBER 2014
Carnival Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Chestnut Identity Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Norton Auctioneers of Michigan . . . . . . . 38 Owen Trailers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Prairie Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Eli Bridge Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Firestone Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Gold Medal Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Gull Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Rides 4-U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 38 Schantz Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC Sippers by Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Haas & Wilkerson Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Spotlight Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 28
Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . OBC
Victor Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
ShowTime
Outdoor Amusement Business Assn. 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1045A Winter Park, FL 32792