Ever Worked as a Carny?

[1969912 0]

If so, what was it like?

"Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ."
-NickDG

[kelel01 1]

You be wei-yud, foo'.

[dropdeded 0]

Why yes, I have. jointy or ride jock, what do ya want to know

Gimme a dollar and I'll tell ya allll about it.

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The Dude Abides.
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[cocheese 0]

I worked for the Pizza-in-a-cup guy. He put the other pizza-in-a-cup guy out of business.

[airtwardo 7]

Sucks...the milk bottles are weighted.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[dropdeded 0]

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Sucks...the milk bottles are weighted.

2 dollars a ball, 3 for 5 dollars, all ya gotta do is tip em over one time. Dont gotta knock em off, just tip em over

HEY THERE GOES ONE, WINNA WINNA WINNA

Davis Enterprise, Ca. Elsie's Concessions, the one ball joint, yep.

[airtwardo 7]

YOU look like a pro...you pitch for the METS...give 'er a try...ONE try!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[1969912 0]

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Why yes, I have. jointy or ride jock, what do ya want to know

Gimme a dollar and I'll tell ya allll about it.

Did you travel with the show? Do they give you a reasonable place to sleep while traveling? How was the pay? Just looking for general comments out of twisted curiousity.

"Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ."
-NickDG

[freethefly 6]

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If so, what was it like?

An old friend of mine ranaway with the James E. Strates Shows carnival back in 1976 when he was 16. His father had to go down to Memphis to pick him up when the carnival learned how old he was and fired him. When he turned 18 he took off again and has worked the carnival ever since. He's been with Strates Shows since 78. Last time I heard from him was in 2001. Still married, makes great money. Has a home in Florida and one up in Michigan. He works different games on the midway. The guy can talk a million words per minute and have you completely reeled in hook,line and sinker. No doubt a true carny. Alot of people laughed at him way back then. Probally made more money than any of us from the neighborhood. Last I knew, they lived in an RV when on the road. I guess it's not a bad life if it fits you.

"...And once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black."
Neil Young

[sunshine 2]

I think i have too many teeth to be a carny. look here

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[warpedskydiver 0]

doesn't it require you to be a meth addict?

[dropdeded 0]

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Why yes, I have. jointy or ride jock, what do ya want to know

Gimme a dollar and I'll tell ya allll about it.

Did you travel with the show? Do they give you a reasonable place to sleep while traveling? How was the pay? Just looking for general comments out of twisted curiousity.

Hell, no shame here, I did what I did.....

I ran for several years with different shows,Butler Amusements, Davis Enterprise, Midway of Fun, all over California and a few "spots" in Nevada, even did "winter quarters" one year between seasons. I worked the in the "joints" a couple years and the rides a couple seasons. As far as sleeping, well, I spent time in "tent city", under rides, in trailors, and when I won a lot of money motel rooms.
Carnival lots get interesting after hours Most shows now are cleaner and safer than before I think. I drank a lot, did a lot of drugs. I was young and bored, and that lifestyle fit the bill for wanting no responsibility. Ever seen the movie Joe Dirt?? Where he's posing on the ride and that chick's drooling over him?? I LOVE that because there really are girls out there exactly like that

Anyways, games payed points (percentage). 25 points was considered good. You get 25% of your apron. I was kinda greedy and very often found my boot stuffed with cash at the end of the night. Rides paid I think a couple hundred dollars a week. We could take a $20.00 a day draw from the boss to eat with.
It was different for those that run with the show as opposed to those locals that are hired in each town. The locals were really watched by everyone. Cant have some local fuck stealing the bosses money, thats a priveledge reserved for us travelin folk!!!

Anyways thanks for bringing back some memories. Like I said, no shame here, Im a little more grown up now and dont have quite the same work ethic (or lack of), and I think I turned out to be a semi-decent person.

[kbordson 8]

My sister was a carnie... ... real lil gypsy girl! Now she's a mommy and I'm up visiting in wisconsin to throw water at her lil babe.

[Grips 0]

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If so, what was it like?

No.

But you should see me (or HEAR me) play NO LIMIT in Vegas.

Entertainment.

[1969912 0]

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Carnival lots get interesting after hours

I can picture the Gorilla Lady and the Two Headed Monkey Boy getting ripped on Thunderbird and going at it on the Tilt-a-Whirl

Thanks for the info. What you described is pretty much what I had always assumed.

"Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ."
-NickDG

[dropdeded 0]

sooooo ya wanna talk about repo'n cars too

dropdeded

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The Dude Abides.
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