This week marks the unofficial start of the community carnival season. Soon the bright lights wild rides of the midway will set up in fairgrounds and parking lots across the country, as the carnival comes to town!In Brantford where I live, Campbell Amusements, family ran in the Telephone City since 1967, annually sets up the midway in the Civic Centre parking lot. Tonight you could ride the midway for just a buck a thrill!
When I was a kid the midway was a big deal. The only time I remember attending one in Clifford was during the 1974 Centennial. However, we would always make a trip to the fall fairs in nearby Harriston or Hanover. I wonder how the midway rides rank with kids today? With 3-D television and lifelike computer and video games, perhaps the carnival is old-hat?
I watched my daughter Rachael tonight as she mustered up the nerve to ride Full Tilt with her big brother. Throughout the ride she was white-knuckled and visibly nervous, and from the ground I felt for her. But she wanted to ride again!
Keep your Halo and 3-D. There is no greater thrill than riding the Scrambler or the Zipper to pounding rock music and the background bark of a carnival huckster. When the carnival comes to your town this season, don't hesitate to visit it with your family.
