State Fair

With the opening of the State Fair just around the corner, it’s only natural that we’d interview George Beecher. George works for the people who bring you all of those Midway attractions — The James E. Strates Shows. We talked with George Beecher about his life and work. Q – George, how long have you been with the Strates Shows? A – Since the Summer of’81. Q – And what’s your position? A – I’m an assistant in the Show Office. I work for the office manager in the field…...

If you’ve ever strolled along the Midway of the James E. Strates Shows, no doubt you’ve taken notice of all the games there are to play. One such game is the Gun Ball Game. Standing in front of the game, inviting you to try your luck is – Dean. We caught up with Dean, along the James E. Strates Midway, on the grounds of the New York State Fair in Syracuse, New York. Q – Dean, how long have you been with the Strates Shows? A – Four years. Q…...

Supreme Allied Commander of Marketing and Sales At Waymatic They are one of the leading custom trailer manufacturers in the United States. Their custom built trailers can be found on just about every Midway in the United States, from the small special events units to the large deluxe State Fair models . They make ‘em all. The co. we are speaking of is Waymatic. We spoke with Waymatic’s Supreme Allied Commander of Sales and Marketing – Mr. Chris Coulson. Q – Chris, where do you find the people to make…...

They are a family owned business based out of Rochester, New York. With their mobile food concessionary stand they travel select seasonal events. They brought the original Pennsylvania Dutch recipe for Funnel Cakes to the Central New York area over 30 years ago. With their motto “You haven’t had fried dough until you try Nancy’s!” You just know they’re serving something special. Chris Bagnato spoke to us about his business. Q – Chris, I guess the obvious question is, who is Nancy? Why is the business called Nancy’s fried dough?…...

Chip Wilson worked as a Paymaster for the only carnival moving by train-the James E Strates Shows. He then went to work as one of those guys who guesses your age and weight for The Murphy Brothers. We talked to Chip Wilson about his experiences with the James E Strates Shows and The Murphy Brothers and the state of the carnival business in America today. Q – Chip, you told Matt Cook’s Carnival Warehouse Newsletter that the Strates train no longer pulls coaches. Why would that be? The coaches provide…...

Bob Goldsack  has put together an incredibly detailed and beautifully illustrated book on the history of The James E. Strates Shows. Filled with black and white photos and color photos, it is a fascinating story. So, we decided to talk to Bob Goldsack about his book – The James E. Strates Shows, America’s Only Remaining Railroad Carnival, A Pictorial History. Hear Gary James speak with Bob Goldsack. Q – Bob, do you feel part of the interest in the James E. Strates Shows might be that they are the only…...