THE BALLOON MAN

Take a ride on the wild side

Enhanced carnival promises major thrills
By Carole Brodsky
08/04/2011
Sean Butler, Ukiah native and unit manager for carnival giant Butler Amusements, smiles as he strolls down the midway.

"I'm happy to be home," he says. Butler hasn't been in Ukiah since March, and as a high-five to his community, he is bringing a few gifts with him.

"This year we have the largest number of rides in the fair's history. All of the rides come from the California State Fair. Mendocino County residents are getting the same caliber of carnival rides available at the California State Fair," Butler explains.

It's not just the rides that are special this year. "Fairgoers will be getting our State Fair operation. Our best managers and operators are all here in Ukiah," he notes.

Carnival rides are primarily designed and built in Italy, according to Butler. "About 80 percent of carnival rides are Italian-made," he explains.

Rides are broken down into four categories: Kiddie, Tween, Major and Spectacular. Butler has focused on expanding the rides for the younger set and delivering some major thrills for those craving the Spectacular experience.

"For the kids, we have three brand new rides." The Chopper Hopper is a new helicopter-themed attraction that takes kids about 20 feet into the air as it rotates around a central base. The Wet Boat Ride incorporates real water into the ride. "This is one of the most popular rides we have," says Butler.

The Frog Hopper resembles a mini "drop zone" ride
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