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Carnivals

What are some easy DIY carnival games?

Carnivals are filled with excitement, laughter, and just the right amount of competition. But you don't need a full-blown fairground or expensive rentals to enjoy that experience. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, school event, or just a summer get-together, DIY carnival games can bring fun and interaction to any occasion. With simple supplies and a little creativity, you can create engaging games that entertain kids and adults alike. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the easiest do-it-yourself carnival games, offer setup tips, and share ideas to make your mini carnival truly memorable. Why Choose DIY Carnival Games? DIY carnival games are perfect for anyone looking to create memorable events without the hassle or expense of renting equipment. They offer flexibility, can be tailored to any theme, and are surprisingly easy to set up. Most importantly, they bring people together, encouraging friendly competition and teamwork. You can also involve kids in preparing the games. Cutting shapes, painting signs, or sorting prizes are great ways to keep them engaged before the party even begins. Everyday Supplies You Can Use Before you rush to the store, take a look around your house. Many common household items can be reused to create exciting carnival activities. Here are some examples: Plastic cups or paper cups Ping pong balls Balloons Cardboard boxes Old cans or plastic bottles Hula hoops Clothespins and string Buckets or baskets Small toys, candies, or stickers for prizes Markers, glue, and poster board for signage Once you gather these materials, you're halfway there. Top 10 Easy DIY Carnival Games Anyone Can Create Here are ten fun and easy carnival-style games that require minimal setup but deliver big smiles. 1. Ring Toss What You Need: Bottles (glass or plastic) Rings (jar lids, glow rings, or small embroidery hoops) A crate or cardboard box for setup How to Play: Players stand a short distance away and toss rings, aiming to land them around the neck of a bottle. Assign points for each successful toss. 2. Tin Can Knockdown What You Need: Empty cans Small beanbags or softballs A flat surface or sturdy table How to Play: Stack the cans in a pyramid. Players get three tries to knock them all down. This game is simple, safe, and always a crowd-pleaser. 3. Balloon Pop Wall What You Need: Balloons Push pins or tape A large board or sturdy wall backing Optional: Small slips of paper with prizes How to Play: Tape or pin inflated balloons to a board. Players throw [...]

By |2025-06-02T13:49:43+00:00May 28th, 2025|Carnivals|0 Comments
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What are the most popular county fair attractions?

County fairs are more than just local events they’re vibrant celebrations of tradition, food, family, and fun. Across the United States, communities come together during fair season to enjoy a blend of entertainment, agriculture, and small-town spirit. From thrilling rides to pie-eating contests, the charm of a county fair is timeless and appeals to people of all ages. In this article, we explore the most popular county fair attractions that keep people coming back year after year. The Lasting Appeal of County Fairs County fairs have deep roots in American history. Originally created to promote agriculture and local craftsmanship, these events have evolved while still preserving the essence of community involvement. For many, the fair is a nostalgic trip back to childhood. For others, it’s a once-a-year gathering to experience local flavors, music, and fun. Whether you're heading to the fairgrounds for the first time or continuing a family tradition, there's always something new and familiar to enjoy. Top County Fair Attractions That Everyone Loves Let’s take a closer look at the attractions that truly define the county fair experience. 1. Carnival Rides and Midway Games The moment you step onto the fairgrounds, the colorful lights and distant screams from carnival rides create a buzz of excitement. From gravity-defying rides to gentle spins for younger kids, there’s something for every thrill level. Popular rides include: Ferris wheels – great for scenic views and romantic moments Tilt-a-Whirl – a classic that’s been dizzying riders for generations Bumper cars – fun for all ages, especially competitive siblings Drop towers – for the brave-hearted Kiddie rides – mini coasters and merry-go-rounds for the little ones Alongside the rides, the midway is filled with games that test your aim and patience. Ring toss, balloon darts, and basketball hoops draw in crowds with the promise of giant stuffed animal prizes. 2. Fair Food Favorites No fair visit is complete without trying at least one deep-fried delicacy or sugary snack. Food stalls line the walkways offering an endless variety of tempting options. Fan favorites include: Funnel cakes topped with powdered sugar Corn dogs fresh from the fryer Fried Oreos and candy bars Soft pretzels and kettle corn Lemonade shakes and snow cones for cooling down Each region also offers local specialties cheese curds in the Midwest, pulled pork in the South, or seafood rolls in coastal states. In recent years, many fairs have added vegan and gluten-free options to cater to all dietary needs. 3. Petting Zoos and Livestock Shows At the heart [...]

By |2025-06-02T13:48:36+00:00May 25th, 2025|Carnivals, County Fair|0 Comments
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How Midway Games at County Fairs Work

The county fair is a place where summer memories are made—where the scent of popcorn mixes with the sound of laughter, and colorful lights guide you from one booth to the next. Among the food stands and ferris wheels lies the midway, an energetic strip filled with games that invite you to toss, shoot, pop, or balance your way to a stuffed prize. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but have you ever stopped to wonder how these midway games actually work? Whether you're aiming for a giant plush animal or just want bragging rights, there’s more going on behind the booth than meets the eye. From design tactics to game psychology, this article breaks down how midway games function, why winning often feels just out of reach, and what you can do to tilt the odds a little more in your favor. What Exactly Are Midway Games? The term "midway" dates back to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where the Midway Plaisance was a designated area for amusements, games, and shows. Since then, “midway” has become synonymous with fairground attractions. Midway games are the booths lined up between the food stands and the thrill rides. They offer a chance to interact, compete, and win prizes. Some of the classics include: Ring toss Balloon darts Basketball shooting Water gun races Milk bottle knockdown Ladder climbs Each game seems simple enough. But under that surface lies a web of design choices that make things a little more complicated than they first appear. The Psychology of the Midway The moment you step onto the midway, you’re pulled in by a sensory overload. Loud music, vivid colors, blinking lights, and charismatic game operators shouting encouragement—it’s all carefully constructed to hold your attention. Midway games tap into some basic psychological principles: Reward anticipation: Seeing someone win or imagining yourself carrying away a giant teddy bear triggers the brain's reward system. Sunk cost fallacy: If you’ve already spent $5, spending a few more feels like the only way not to waste your original investment. Social proof: Watching other people try makes it seem like success is within reach—even if it’s not. The idea isn’t to trick you—but rather to make the experience more exciting. It’s not just about the prize, it’s about the thrill of trying. Skill vs. Chance: What Kind of Game Are You Playing? Fair games generally fall into two categories: games of skill and games of chance. Skill-Based Games These are games that can [...]

By |2025-05-10T20:08:52+00:00April 12th, 2025|Carnivals, County Fair, Entertainment|0 Comments
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Thrill Rides vs. Classic Rides: The Best Amusements

Amusement parks have long been a favorite destination for families, friends, and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you're drawn to the heart-pounding intensity of high-speed coasters or the timeless charm of a Ferris wheel, there’s something for everyone. Thrill Rides vs Classic Rides: The Best Amusements But which type of ride offers the best amusement experience? Are high-adrenaline attractions truly superior to the nostalgia of classic rides, or does each hold its own special appeal? This guide explores the defining features of thrill rides and classic rides, their appeal to different audiences, and the factors that make each type a must-try experience. What Are Thrill Rides? Thrill rides are designed to push limits, providing an intense rush that keeps adrenaline junkies coming back for more. These attractions often involve high speeds, sudden drops, loops, and unexpected twists that leave riders breathless. Key Characteristics of Thrill Rides Speed and Intensity – Many thrill rides, especially roller coasters, reach speeds of 60 mph or more. Height and Drops – Towering structures with dramatic plunges add to the excitement. Loops and Inversions – Many modern coasters feature upside-down elements that defy gravity. Surprise Elements – Sudden accelerations, dark tunnels, and unexpected twists keep riders on edge. Popular Types of Thrill Rides Roller Coasters – From wooden coasters to hypercoasters, these are the ultimate test of courage. Drop Towers – Riders experience freefall from towering heights, creating a weightless sensation. Inverted Rides – Suspended coasters flip riders upside-down for an exhilarating perspective. Swing Rides – Giant pendulum attractions that reach extreme angles, providing both height and speed. The Timeless Appeal of Classic Rides Classic rides may not be the fastest or most intense, but they offer an experience rooted in nostalgia and tradition. These attractions have been around for generations, providing a sense of wonder and joy for visitors of all ages. Key Characteristics of Classic Rides Family-Friendly Appeal – Most classic rides are suitable for all ages, making them ideal for families with young children. Relaxed Experience – Unlike thrill rides, these attractions focus on scenery and comfort rather than heart-stopping excitement. Historic Significance – Many classic rides date back decades and are still beloved today. Popular Types of Classic Rides Ferris Wheels – Iconic for their breathtaking views and gentle rotations. Carousels – A staple at most parks, featuring beautifully designed horses and nostalgic music. Bumper Cars – Fun and interactive, allowing guests to engage in friendly competition. Swing Carousels – A mix of gentle movement and scenic enjoyment, perfect for [...]

By |2025-04-27T02:57:12+00:00March 13th, 2025|Carnivals, County Fair, Fair, Festivals|0 Comments
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Florida State Fair 2019

Discover the Fun at the Florida State Fair Pre Fair interview with the Assistant Manager of the Florida State Fair - Mike Rogalsky. We talk about what is new and exciting at this years Fair. We talk about parking, Seniors and what is good for children under 12 to do. Of course we talk about fair food, the exhibit building the animal exhibits, the carnival and a lot of their entertainment.

By |2019-03-13T21:46:47+00:00February 7th, 2019|State Fair, Fair Food, Fairgrounds, Florida State Fair, Podcast, Tampa, Wade Shows|0 Comments
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Carnival Catastrophe

Carnival Catastrophe: Is there a Real Reason to be Afraid? Counties and Cities with Carnivals or Fairs There are over 3,000 counties in our country.  There are almost 20,000 cities and towns.  Just about every one of them has at least one carnival or fair, and in the case of the bigger cities, perhaps dozens every year. According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) it comes in at about 4,400 injuries annually but only about 1.5% of that number (66) require hospitalization each year.  Complied statistics for (non-Amusement Park) carnival and fair injuries or deaths are calculated to be 6 per 100,000 visitors, or 0.006%. Not only is the number quite small, but the classification of injuries is quite broad, including anything requiring treatment or hospitalization.  Everything from twisted ankles or sprains, bumped heads, chest pains, numbness, neck strains, back pain, dizziness, and vomiting all count. If you were to pick a large amusement park, such as Disney World with its 19.33 million visitors each year, and apply those statistics, you might expect 1,160 injuries per year.  Big parks are actually much better than that because they have permanent equipment that stays in one place, and experienced maintenance crews with multiple inspections per day. An actual Carnival incident In July (2017), when one of the rides at the Ohio State Fair experienced a severe failure, an 18-year-old man was killed.  A further six were injured.  Despite undergoing three separate inspections, by the operator, the city officials, and an independent third party, they all missed some significant corrosion for one of the seating areas.  The metal was thin enough to shear when the ride was under strain with a full load of passengers. Who is to blame? In this particular case, the manufacturer had issued a notice about the fault in the ride considerably earlier.  They had notified, or attempted to notify, all purchasers, of the potential danger of failure and recommended not using the ride until repairs could be effected. These carnivals and fairs do a lot of traveling, meaning that equipment is assembled and disassembled daily or weekly, moving from one location to the next.  It might be hard to keep up with notices, warnings, alerts, or changing maintenance requirements when you’re constantly on the go.  But perhaps, you would think, workers familiar with the equipment might notice changes and deterioration. Except that they might not…  It might be invisible because it is encased in fiberglass, or in other ways hidden from view.  [...]

By |2024-01-12T01:06:14+00:00November 21st, 2017|Carnivals, injuries, Insurance, Kiddie|0 Comments
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Mardi Gras History and Traditions

The history of Mardi Gras dates back to thousands of years (as early as 1699 in the US) when the Roman Catholic religion was on the peak of its power in Europe. Mardi Gras translates to “Fat Tuesday” which simply means the last days of eating richer foods as the lent season comes in and the fasting starts. This is a celebratory event that allows people to let go of inhibitions and conventions as the Shrive or confession time is drawing near. Carnival Venetian mask isolated on white background with clipping path. There are Mardi Gras celebrations all over the world. The key cities of this celebration are Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans, Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago, Sinaloa in Mexico, Quebec, Barranquilla in Colombia, and Venice. There are also “Fat Tuesday” celebrations in Germany particularly in the German cities of Cologne and Mainz. Sweden, Belgium, and Netherlands also have their “versions” of the celebration and like in other places, rooted to the same traditions and religious beliefs. What are the celebrations like? What are the included traditions? The Carnival (another name for Mardi Gras in some cultures) in Rio de Janeiro is one of the biggest and well known events in the country that even foreigners flock to the city to witness this annual celebration. It is wild with lots of dancing, costumes and masks. Masks are a major attribute of Mardi Gras and so are street dancing, loud music, and consuming lots of food. In the United Kingdom the food of choice during Mardi Gras are pancakes and other fried pastries that are known to be decadent and reflect dietary excesses as the 40-day fast draws near. Other food that is associated with Mardi Gras is Semlor (Sweden). A popular food custom of the Mardi Gras is the preparation of King Cakes typically seen in many establishments in the French-influenced areas in the US like in the state of Louisiana specifically in New Orleans. The timing of Mardi Gras varies a lot but the most accepted date of the beginning of the celebrations is January 6 as reflected in the start of Carnival Season. The Carnival season ends on an Easter Sunday. Mardi Gras is the day before Ash Wednesday and is an event where moral codes are observed loosely. This is the reason why nudity and provocative costumes are all part of the celebration. Mardi Gras in the US is not a nationally observed event but in New Orleans, the [...]

By |2019-03-24T22:55:23+00:00February 15th, 2014|Mardi Gras, Carnivals, Louisiana, New Orleans|0 Comments
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