THE BALLOON MAN: 2009-08-30

Saturday, September 5, 2009

NY STATE FAIR---FULL MOON (RON FINCH)

WHAT A WAY TO SPEND YOUR WEEKEND! tv69

MARYLAND STATE FAIR PICTURES

Maryland State Fair(Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina Perna / August 31, 2009) The Maryland State Fair at Timonium Fairgrounds is in its final full week.

Fair Weather ( Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam / September 4, 2009 ) Sarah Willis, 9, left, of New Jersey, and her mother Michele, ride the Windsurfer at the state fair. The Willis family is in town visiting relatives in Pasadena.

Corn dog(Baltimore Sun photo by Tasha Treadwell / August 28, 2009) Among all the items dipped in the fryer, the corn dog, a hot dog coated with a corn meal batter, is the iconic fair food. Its round, browned body is found on almost every midway.

BAND ORGAN--AMERICAN BUILT

Grand Master Band Organ at the Allentown Fair(JANE THERESE/SPECIAL TO THE MORNING CALL / September 2, 2009) Dennis Robinson's, of Upper Macungie, handmade Grandmaster Band Organ at the Allentown Fair in Allentown on Monday. Robinson's band organ, was the first fairground organ in America to be built in conjunction with the European masters. The band organ has 2 Italian 5 voice accordions, 600 hand built organ pipes and American voicing pipes. The band organ took 5 years to build.

Grand Master Band Organ at the Allentown Fair(JANE THERESE/SPECIAL TO THE MORNING CALL / September 2, 2009) Dennis Robinson of Upper Macungie in front of his handmade Grandmaster Band Organ at the Allentown Fair in Allentown on Monday. Robinson's band organ, was the first fairground organ in America to be built in conjunction with the European masters. The band organ has 2 Italian 5 voice accordions, 600 hand built organ pipes and American voicing pipes. The band organ took 5 years to build.

ALLENTOWN FAIR 2008 VIDEO

From the Allentown Morning Call

THE GREAT ALLENTOWN FAIR ASST'D PHOTOS

(KEVIN MINGORA/THE MORNING CALL / September 4, 2009) Silhouetted against the sky thrill seekers ride the Wave Swing at the 157 Allentown Fair Friday.

Sisters Haley Mauser (left), age 13, and Maggie Mauser, age 16 both of Catasauqua, get a thrill riding the Super Shot at the Allentown Fair on Thursday.

Patch McGillicutty a member of the American Hellriders rides the wall of death during a stunt show at the 157 Allentown Fair Friday.

A pot bellied pig, shakes off water after a swimming race at Robinson's Pig Paddling Porkers on opening day of the Allentown Fair on Tuesday.

Opening day at The Allentown Fair(Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call / September 1, 2009) August Fegley, 9, of Allentown, enjoys a gyro on opening day at the Allentown Fair on Tuesday.

Friday, September 4, 2009

IN MEMORY OF JIMMY JAMES

Ringmaster, Clown and a great human being!

Sad news from Florida.

Jimmy James passed away today.

Jimmy was a world class clown and then became a

world class Ringmaster on Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros Circus.

He retired to Florida a few years ago.

He will be sadly missed on the tanbark trail!

Rest in Peace Jimmy!

HOWE'S GREAT LONDON CIRCUS (MIKE DIXON)

Please click on image to read!

MIKE NAUGHTON'S YANKEE DOODLE CIRCUS

Just happened to come across this one!

Year Unknown.

MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY STREET VENDORS (BOB COX)

Dick...sorry I havent wrote in awhile... hope this finds you doing ok., MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY is just around the corner, (September 16th) Flag vendors are all over the place. Any peddlers near a town with a large Mexican population could possibly get a days pay if they have the right merchandise, I worked a celebration in Dallas one year with glow necklaces and flags and it was definitely worthwhile. Have a good day. ..... Bob

Thursday, September 3, 2009

WEST END FAIR GILBERT, PA

As I mentioned below these pictures are from 2008.

The West End Fair features rides and attractions from at least 3 or 4 shows.

Good-Time Amusements,

Oscars Amusements,

Jim Thorpe Amusements,

Tons of Fun Amusments,

Archie & Sons.

WEST END FAIR--GILBERT PA

The West End Fair ended this past Saturday.

I haven't received any pictures from this years fair.

So I found these on their web site from last year.

We played the fair there a while back and it's a

nice country fair in the Poconos.

These are people waiting for the free stage show!

And here it is!

REITHOFFER'S BIG WHEEL---NEW LIGHTS

BOAS BROS CIRCUS (JACK SILAR)

Here is a scanned copy of the 1968 Route Sheet we used. I think you'll recognize the Concession Manager.
J. Silar

CIRCUS POSTERS (RJ REYNOLDS)

1973

1977

1985

1988

NEW YORK STATE FAIR (FROM RON FINCH)

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

MARYLAND STATE FAIR 2009 PICTURES

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

CHARLES "DOC" BOAS

Charles "Doc" Boas

Here's an e-mail I received this morning that I'd like to share.

Mr Dykes,
What a delight to stumble across your blog, replete with pictures of my father, my family, and myself from so long ago. I am perusing more of your pages, and having great fun.
Thanks for bringing a smile,
Charlie Boas (once upon a time, long, long ago, known as Toby)Austin, TX

I did a story on "Doc" this past winter and it was great to receive

this message from his son.

Dick