John Leggett Interview James E Strates Employee
In 1958, when he was just a teenager, John Leggett went to work for the legendary carnival owner James E. Strates. While he didn’t work for the Strates Shows all that long, his memory of that time has lasted a lifetime. And so, we talked to John Leggett about that moment in time. Q – John, would I be correct in saying that you met James E Strates? A – Well, I never actually met James E. Strates. The guy in the memoir piece, I wrote, being 13 years old,…...
Joe Nickell Interview Author of Secrets of the Sideshows
He’s a former professional stage magician, a resident magician to be exact at the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame, a carnival pitchman, including on the famous carnival midway at the Canadian National Exhibition, an advertising writer, armed guard, movie extra, forensic writer, blackjack dealer, riverboat manager, forklift driver, sign painter and university writing instructor. He’s appeared on “Dateline NBC”, “20/20”, “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, and “Larry King Live”. His name is Joe Nickell and we’ll be talking to him about a book he’s written titled “Secrets of the Sideshows” (The…...
Jimmy Ashley Interview
If you were walking along the grounds of The New York State Fair this year ( 2025) no doubt you encountered Jimmy Ashley and his Tiki Shack. It’s certainly a unique looking cart that he has. In fact, as Jimmy strolled around playing guitar and singing it provided a rather different vibe for a crowded Fair. Jimmy Ashley spoke with us about The Tiki Shack creation. Q – Jimmy, I guess some people might say you’re a One Man Band, but Bandaloni who performs at the Fair plays all these…...
Jim Victor and Marie Pelton Interview Butter Sculptor
Jim Victor and Marie Pelton are a husband-and-wife Butter Sculptor team who makes sculptures from various food media. They have worked together for over 15 years. They have a long history of creating butter sculptures for State and County Fairs and Expositions as well as an extensive portfolio of food sculptures commissioned for corporate and public relations events. We talked with Jim and Marie “The Butter Sculptor King and Queen.” Q – I saw my first butter sculptor at the New York State Fair in 1969 I don’t think you…...
Jeff Swartz Interview Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing
Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing has been an industry leader in custom built concession trailers for over 30 years now. Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing is dedicated to the exclusive production of such trailers for the Fair and Amusement Industry. They are a full-service custom manufacturer for an individual’s mobile equipment needs from conception to completion. Hitch-Hiker’s President Jeff Swartz spoke with us about his unique business. Q – Jeff, you were the Founder of Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing? A – I’m actually Second-Generation. My father started it back in ’69 and has evolved it to a certain…...
James Vierira Interview “Living Statues”
Serge Dulac is the Creator of something he calls “Living Statues”. The “Living Statues” really capture an audience’s attention with their incredible resemblance to real marble statues. You have to see it to believe it. We caught up with one of the “Living Statues”—–James Vierira at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. Q – James, since the co. (Unity Productions) is based out of Kissimmee, Florida does that mean you’re a resident of Florida? A – Yes, I am. I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. I now…...