Audio and Photos by Denny McAuliffe
TABOR, S.D.—Experience the sights and sounds of the Czech Days carnival June 19.
“If everybody can come out here and have a real good time and everybody leaves happy, with a happy memory, that’s what it’s all about,” said David Thiel, foreman of the carnival operated by Mac’s Carnival and Attractions.
The carnival featured “the Slide, we’ve got the Scat, we’ve got the Tilt-A-Whirl, the Dragon, Teacups, Merry Go Round,” Thiel said. “We’ve got a brand new ride we just bought called the Cobra. We’ve got the Wheel, the Zipper. That’s about all we have here. We have more, but it’s just a matter of room.”
Everyone knows carnival workers have a reputation – and not a good one. But a multimedia project of the American Indian Journalism Institute found a dissenting voice. Covering the Tabor, S.D., Czech Days, one worker for Mac’s Carnival and Attractions says carnies are just like everyone else.
And the attraction of the work: “The people are nice,” said 26-year-old Rachel Brewer.
American Indian Journalism Institute » Heritage, Home Hallmarks of Tabor Czech Days
06.22.09
[...] Midway and Carnival stories [...]
lonmcwhorter
11.08.09
Thanks for the nice story on carnival folks. These people are a special breed to do what they do with the only reward being a smile on someones face or seeing a family having fun for the afternoon without worry of the struggles of the world. I cant think of any other industry that donates or raises more money for organizations than show people do. These people that youve just seen are my employees, always working hard to produce smiles and laughter,a small world of mirth for the short time they stay in a community before moving on to the next one. Nice job everyone!
james p. mcwhorter
08.15.10
Iam the brother/uncle to the above mentioned. We had our funhouse in Tabor this year. Youve done a wonderfull job on this piece, trying to explain what were about. Mac”s Carnival over the years since its conception in 1929 has helped mould the lifes of alot of people over the years.We are proud to say
doctors,lawyers,school teachers,truckdrivers,mechanics,military,yes even preachers have been some of the products helped in part the long hours and work ethic taught by the carnival life. So the next time you wonder about a carney, please think, we are after all all GOD’S creation. some good some not so good! Thanks again for your work. Respectfully yours James P. McWhorter
Keith Morris
09.20.10
I was fortunate to work with Lon and his staff this weekend at the Crawford County Fair in Mulberry Arkansas as an Independent vendor with a Bungee Trampoline Jump and an Italian Ice Stand. Lon welcomed my small business in with his carnival and made me and my family of six part of his team . His staff of workers and other independent vendors were eager to help and everyone bent over backwards to help us with anything. Most important to me was they made my family of six, ages, 10, 13, 15, 21 and my wife for 30 years like family. Mac’s Carnival was a great experience for the kids, and they made some friends. We have not been doing festivals and fairs for long but as a retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Security Forces, I have been all over the world, in War, and many God forsaken places, and I will say, the carnival family is one large family. Work hard, carry your responsibilities, and be friendly and you will fit in and be taken care of.
Thanks Lon for the opportunity
Keith Morris
Flip-N-Fun Party Rentals
501-266-2827
wix.com/flipnfun/flipnfunonline