Traveling fairs!

[HussRainbow87]

Damn. That Zipper still has the horrible artwork I did on it like 6 years ago. 

[iwerks]

That zipper was back last night at the Osborne Park Show. There was a massive crowd waiting at the gates, so we quickly bought tickets online. The layout seemed a bit different from last year, as Robinson Reserve has received some new upgrades to its facilities. The fireworks show was excellent. It was 38 degrees yesterday and 39 today, so I’m glad it still went ahead.

 

 

Edited November 16, 2019 by iwerks

[iwerks]

The Wanneroo Show was on the weekend. I was there briefly in the afternoon, but @Tim Dasco was performing at night. Ride-wise, they had Nitro, the wave swinger as well as the super trooper. The zipper was being worked on the whole time I was there. I also noticed some cute model versions of the rides in the pavilion.

[MickeyD]

What a great idea putting kiddie rides in a Pavilion like that.. MW are you watching?

[Gazza]

Who is the owner / operator of the West Coaster/X coaster...do they have a FB page or website?

[Tim Dasco]

38 minutes ago, Gazza said:

Who is the owner / operator of the West Coaster/X coaster...do they have a FB page or website?

No they don’t sadly. It’s owned by an East Coast family and has signed on to do the Perth Royal Show for 5 years. But due to expensive fuel prices the ride is gonna stay in Perth and it’s staying set up at the Showgrounds currently.

[iwerks]

2 hours ago, Tim Dasco said:

No they don’t sadly. It’s owned by an East Coast family and has signed on to do the Perth Royal Show for 5 years. But due to expensive fuel prices the ride is gonna stay in Perth and it’s staying set up at the Showgrounds currently.

It’s going to be in the city centre - Yagan’s Square Fun Fair from December 18.

[Troy81]

So because I love bumping old threads so much, I just wanted to ask if there was anyone on this page that is part of the travelling fair community?  I read an article about there being no insurance company left that will back the amusement industry for public liability.  Has this started affecting any of the travelling shows yet, and what do you think will be the ultimate outcome?  I am not a reporter or anything, I am just curious because I fear for an industry that I love so much.

This is a link to just one article that I read.

https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/au/news/breaking-news/inability-to-obtain-insurance-forcing-ride-operators-to-close-shop-256473.aspx

[StingRay]

It's affected many companies already. From my understand the Sydney Easter show was the major last event under the old scheme.

The showman's guild is actively working on a solution with ALLARA

[Troy81]

With the Brisbane Show coming up, I hope it hasn't affected too many businesses.  I will guess we wait and see.  I did also read that the guild had gone to the government for support.

[StingRay]

Correct, the guild is actively working on a solution. I think you'll find the EKKA will be alright tho. 

 

Many shows/fairs are still going on around the country. The one thing that might be a slight issue for the EKKA is the new introduction in Queensland of rides requiring 10-year inspections now. So essentially a pull-apart inspect and rebuilt. 

[Gazza]

11 hours ago, StingRay said:

So essentially a pull-apart inspect and rebuilt. 

Lol don’t they pull them apart every few weeks?

[Pyro]

The industry is in big trouble. Currently a lot of the showmen are shut down as the underwriters have not renewed the policy's that have already expired. They guys currently still trading are using the current PLI, but when that runs out... unsure what will happen. All the big underwriters have pulled out claiming covid impacts and loss of income. Some experts are saying that because premiums were not paid and just a hand full of payouts happened, it hurt the bottom line, so the underwriters just pulled out.  They have based alot of the data off the US and UK markets that have significantly higher claims and losses durring covid than the Australian market, and this is the problem when most of the underwriters come out of London. 

[StingRay]

2 hours ago, Gazza said:

Lol don’t they pull them apart every few weeks?

Obviously, but with recent changes in QLD in regards to amusement rides inspections are much more comprehensive for machines over 10 years. 

I'm sure most do the right thing. I assume it's more a case of checking repairs and major bearings, gears and electronics and locking mechanisms 

[HussRainbow87]

Currently travelling the North Run with 'The Beast', we have two shows left before we go into Brisbane for EKKA, GC Show and then back home for Melbourne Show (if COVID doesn't intervene), who knows what will happen before the end of 2021.

3 hours ago, Gazza said:

Lol don’t they pull them apart every few weeks?

There's a difference between setting the ride up and packing it as opposed to a major inspection. Yearly major inspections are carried out on the XXL with crack testing etc done to major bearings and pins with the addition of new sets of bolts.

Edited June 25, 2021 by HussRainbow87

[Troy81]

Appreciate the insight guys.  Always interesting to hear from someone on the inside.  As a kid growing up all I ever wanted to do was win the lotto so I could buy a few portable rides and join the carny circuit.  

[Brad2912]

EKKA cancelled.

 

have to feel for all the showmen/women and their families. I was up at the show grounds last week for work and there were hundreds setting up getting ready, setting up stands and rides. 

the expense of time and travel already upon them and now with no income

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

yeah I heard a few whispers from some of the Ekka crew yesterday something was up so this morning's announcement is no surprise - its too close right now - and it's a smarter decision than pressing on with it.

It is a shame for the showies, but their travel plans usually lead them to Brisbane around this time without major long distance travel, and many of them have local home bases too. At least they're stuck in Brisbane and not isolated in the middle of nowhere. Agree it totally sucks.

[sansborgor]

Yes its quite sad but understandable. A lot of showies arrived, then get told that its cancelled and have to go. I can tell you that the monster truck company had to sit there for two weeks after a two day trip from the Victorian south coast. It really sucks for everybody

[Ranger]

Does anyone know the route companies like Joylands go each year?

[Gazza]

 ^ 

[Ranger]

Wow

 

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

1 hour ago, Gazza said:

 ^ 

You've got a lot of teeth for such a smartass Gaz. love your work!

[rappa]

Im hearing from the entertainment industry that everyone that bumped in at Ekka is getting paid in full. 
 

Anyone know if anything has been done for the Showies? Do they pay the Ekka or does the Ekka pay them?

[Slick]

1 hour ago, rappa said:

Im hearing from the entertainment industry that everyone that bumped in at Ekka is getting paid in full. 
 

Anyone know if anything has been done for the Showies? Do they pay the Ekka or does the Ekka pay them?

Almost all the companies at the Ekka in a showies capacity (rides, stall-holders etc.) are leasing space and electricity from the Ekka, so will be interesting if they refund those amounts back.