|
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|
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| Karen Krawchuk |
2 |
West |
games |
| I used to start out in Regina and stay with the show till Toronto. I started when I was 15. |
| |
| Kathie Halbert |
5 yrs off and on |
West |
Ticket office babe |
| It all started with a summer job roasting my butt of in a ticket booth for Jill. I then came back for two summers in Regina before heading out on the road. I loved the experience so much. I met so many great friends and got paid to see Canada and the USA. Now you cant beat that. While out on the road I found out alot about myself and life. I can only say if I had to do it again...YOU BET YOUR A#$ I WOULD. Miss everyone and take care |
| |
| katlyn |
too many to count |
West |
everything you name it i worked it |
| i worked everywhere with conklin and had a great time metting new friends and loves. I just wanted to say hi to everyone you know who you are. love ya all katlyn |
| |
| Kelly |
1994-6 |
West / CNE |
Ride operator |
| I was 18 when I first worked for the show. I loved it, the people I worked with were great and my bosses were as well. I worked only in Kiddie land. I have so many great memories. |
| |
| Kelly |
3 summers |
West |
setup/teardown kiddie land ride operator |
| went to hire a student in Edmonton to get summer work and they sent me to the HR office at northlands grounds for an interview with Conklin Shows, while i was in line for that meeting kiddieland sup Donnie Bertrand shows up in a golf cart and yells out "who wants to help set up and work as a ride operator" well hell i said i'll go, so my sister and i went with him, and set up and worked the whole 10 days and then tore it down, and the same goes for the nest 2 summers after that except when i would go down i would look for Donnie directly and then get a job with him, except one year he could not hire me because he had to hire all these hire a student people, so i went over to the polar express and got a job there setting up and operating, never got to party with anybody while i was there because i was only 15 at the time, but still the best summers of my life. |
| |
| Kenneth Bird |
1999-2002 |
West |
ride forman wakyworm, nigra falls, drop of fear, and wild cat |
| i joined when my life was pretty much messed up, i joined in broward county stayed with the show for 3 years, can not say they where easy but i enjoyed them |
| |
| Ken Littlechild |
1981 |
West. CNE |
Ride attendant - Bavarian Slide |
| I spent one summer working on the Bavarian Slide, that was 21 years ago and it was the best work experience I ever had. I never miss the exhibition to this day. I love Conklin Shows, especially the Giant Wheel. Thank you for being one of the best parts of my life. |
| |
| Ken McIntire |
83,84 87,88 Big E 86,87 |
West |
Rides |
| I hooked up with Teo Zachinni & sons in Sarasota, back in 83, worked the Magic Carpet in 83 & 84, Withches Castle at the Big in 86 went back out in 87, spooked the Devils passage in 87... I'd love to hear from any of the folks I worked with!!! |
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| ken o'neill |
1992-2005 |
West |
ride operator |
| I love working for Conklin Shows for so many years on the snow ball express, conko circus and the wacky worm.My fovorite workmates are are Jeff Woo (aka bruce lee) and Shana Scott. |
| |
| Kimberly Formiglia |
3 |
West |
ride operators. etc |
| Experience a huge experience! thats what working for conklin shows has done for me. i worked with billy lauther on conklins tour. at first i was a little skeptical about leaving my home and friends behind me....but i'm glad i did. i met a new family. conklin entertainment. i traveled for three years with the show. and had a blast. the best is when conklin does the big E in connetticut, and all of the spots in canada.(calgary.regina,winnipeg) just to name a few. i used to love running the kiddie rides and especially conkos circus. i was the one waving them on in and listening to all the enjoyment.can't forget the "snow ball express". it's been almost ten years now since i worked for conklin shows and i miss all of you. wish i could turn back time and do it all over again. best of luck to you frank conklin and all your fellow associates. |
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| Kip Redfern |
1980-1987 |
West |
Ten Toes Baskets/BSR Cassata Water games.Whac a mole. |
| I had a lot of fun on the show and enjoyed my time out there.I knew a man out there who is gone now but his name should be in your book.His name was Lemmon. Anyone that was out there those years will tell you the same. He could jump in for two hours and get what it took me all day to get and get it all. He was one of the good old boys. He worked for all of the game owners at one time or another and blew every hole he ever got and always parted on a good note. His real name was Kim Meek. Gone but not forgotten |
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| Kris Robson |
7 |
West and South |
Bob's Space Racers |
| I worked on the show for a number of years and met a lot of cool people,thanks. |
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| Krys |
1999-2002 |
Trillium Unit |
Games |
| Well, we've ran into a lot of stereotypical people who believe its the dirty thirtys still..well i had the best times with u guys,ill be back next year ill never forget u!!thanks conklin!! |
| |
| Lawrence (Pinto) Welsh |
92-97 & 2001-03 |
West |
Giant Wheel Foreman, Asst ride sup |
| Well there are way too many stories to tell.I am sad to see show as i know it gone.Met alot of great people in my time there .Thanks for the great job frank,roger!See you in T.O |
| |
| Lee McGlame |
15 years |
West |
agent, owner operator |
| I started as a young boy building my career with a company called ten toes inc. I eventually partnered with Freddie Glasgow and Graet Canadian Amusements and bought 7 games and the Casino from him. My Mother Marlene and I caried on for another 7 years until we were eventually asked to leave the midway do to declining grosses on te midway. |
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| Leslie Cringan |
1982-1989 |
West / East |
Games / Office |
| There are just too many I wouldn't know where to start |
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| liana v |
2 years |
|
Games |
| I love working there it was much fun and i miss everybody i knew, I wouldnt mind working there again miss you all. |
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| Lionel Lobster |
5 |
West |
a few |
| I would like to just say hi to everyone that I worked with in the 5 years. I really enjoyed working with everyone and to wish them a good year. |
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| lindsay laroche |
4 |
West |
barker |
| i had the best experience of my life .. please contact me and tell me some of your stories!! step right up! |
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| Lisa Adam (Kaschl) |
1983-1995 |
West, Southern Comfort |
Independant Rides-Zacchini |
| Great friends, great times, a part of my life I will never forget. Miss the school fundraisers. They were a great way to get everyone together. |
| |
| MARGARET |
many |
West |
games |
| yes many years many good times, too many hours in a day. Worked for many owners worked hardest for dave and monica but wouldnt change a thing.Met my best friend and partner now for life andre ( cant trade me in im broken lol) .met many solid people out there and a few not so solid .Only solid people in our sand box eh jen! my daughter randi works summers for tasha learning a great work ethic that will be with her for ever.if you can survive calgary you can play any spot lol. Hope one day i will be well enough to be there again ! maybe just in time to bring out that star dart again eh dave. Too many good friends to mention you all you know who you are .and to those who have passed away sure hope theres a hole open up there for me lol a build up please! HOW DOES THE WHEEL TURN WITHOUT ME HAHA all my best to futur carnival employees it will be the best experiance you will ever have! margaret |
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| Margaret Graves |
too many off and on |
West |
games |
| many years, many good times mostly spent with the potopas organization,dave and monica about as solid as you can get. met many solid people and a few not so solid! not everyone is welcome in the sand box eh jen? there is no better life lessons learned than on the carnival.If you are interested in hard work, long hours, ( tired just thinking about calgary) great friends and most of all your pay at the end of the spot! this is the life to choose. At home now waiting for a second chance to get back there.With the support of good friends and family (dont know what i would do without andre!!!) im sure anouther spot is in my future .Daves always got an extra joint in the truck lol.best of luck to all the show folk i have met and good luck to those of you that are just starting out . margaret. |
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| Maria Kostas |
1978-79 |
U.S. and Santo Domingo |
Ladder Agent |
| I was a carny with Degglers Magic Midway, Royal American and Conklin. I went to Santa Domingo with Conklin shows as a ladder agent. I worked for "preacher" and Barbara of Looneys On Leave.I was a single woman on the road with my dog "Lunar Module" and have stories too lengthy to incorporate here.I currently run my own business in Chicago, IL. |
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| mark, chris @ carly holle |
15 yrs 1978-1993 |
West |
ride jock, floss bag @ chris worked for ten toes |
| mark started working for conkin in pr in 78,and stayed there for fifteen yrs where in 1980 he met wife chris they had there baby girl carly in 1985, mark and chris carly stayed on the show for 5 more years. we met some really great people, and miss alot of them, we still stay in contact with a few but really love to here from some of our old carnie buddys!!!!!!! working for conklin shows back then was the best days of our lives |
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| Mark Lefebvre |
2 years |
All |
Dark ride operator |
| I CHARISH THE MEMORIES FOR LIFE,AND WILL NEVER FORGET THE WONDERFULL PEOPLE YHAT I MET WHILE I WORKED FOR THE SHOW, INCLUDING MY WIFE TO THIS VERY DAY OF 13YRS, THAT I MET IN CANADA WHILE ON THE SHOW, THIS IS PRICELESS TO US THANK YOU. MARK&SHANNON LEFEB |
| |
| mark |
0 |
West |
|
| i want to work for conklin shows beause it will be cool to work on a ride |
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| Matt.K |
2000-2001 |
Winnipeg-Toronto |
Grab stand |
| Replacing my old entry my email is not the same as the old one just want to say to all people that want to work with Conklin shows but have not yet it was the best time of my life and I had a blast and would love to work for the show 1 more time someday if i ever have the time but if you do have the time i say go for it - you will never have more fun than you will working with this show. |
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| Matthew Britton |
1998-1999 |
West |
Pillow boy in kiddieland |
| began my tour when i met my now wife Azrael on my first day there. we did the Canada Circuit together, working the same rides. now we're married with a 1 yr old baby kai. miss the shows, but with kids come no time for such things--unfortunately...will fondly remember - messed up shows, sleeping in the possum belly, getting refused service in Dryden due to Carny Status. We miss you all....... |
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| Melanie Robson |
15 so far |
West |
Manager |
| I started out working on the independent with Webb. When I was 18 I worked with Jones' I Got It for three years in Canada and then with Beth Gray in the Mini Donut/Curly Fries in the southern part of the tour. I managed the Curly Fries for one year and then I started working for Terry Gibbs and Rusty Groscurth in the Super Dog. I have been with them for 10 years and counting. We don't travel with the show anymore :( I met so many people and made some great friends. I wouldn't trade it for the world... |
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| Melissa |
91-95 |
West |
Bob's Space Racers |
| For a small town southern girl from Georgia, this experience was unlike anything I could have ever imagined. It was one of the most enjoyable and defining periods of my life. I was 17 (almost 18) when I went out on the road. My dad worked for Bob in Florida and they recruited me with my parents consent. I don't think they would have backed me going if they knew of the wild times I had. I am thankful for the opportunity to have done this and I have made some really wonderful Canadian friends-who I am still close to even though there is a great distance between us. It was a blast working on this show! What a great way for a young person to experience life and make really great money doing it! |
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| Melissa Harmon |
3 or 4 |
West |
Ticket Office |
| I worked for Conklin shows from 1999-2002? when they came to The Westchester County Fair in Yonkers, NY. I worked in the ticket off counting money and doing rents. I had a great time and met a lot of great people but unfortunately, didn't keep in touch with anyone. I remember Yankee and worked for DOC for about 2 years I think. Even when I messed up trying to balance out and messed something up, no one tried to kill me :) If anyone remembers me, feel free to catch up. We miss having the fair at the Yonkers Raceway! I know most people hated working that show but now there's just a casino there and nothing to do in May! Hope all is well and thanks for a fun few years! |
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| Michael Ireland |
3+ |
West |
GR then E-tickets |
| Had the pleasure of working with many great people from my first boss Michelle Ulinder in Guest Relations then moved on to E-tickets where i had 2 awesome boss's in John Gallant and Scooter. Met so many kewl people that worked the Rides and Games. Then it was sold and there was just to much politics involved and the fun was taken out of it, So i walked away from a good chance of taken on E-tickets. If it becomes Conklin again i'd be back in a heartbeat. Good Luck to all my friends that still travel. May the days be sunny and the nites clear. "STRAIGHT OUTTA CONKLIN" |
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| Michael LaPointe |
3 |
West |
Ride operator |
| I started working for Robbie in Kiddi Land along side with andrew I was a young and Nieve 21yr old who did'nt know much about life outside of my home town through my travel and work experinece it gave me great plessure in meeting all the great people across Canada and The United Stes and it matured me very quikly. All the best and to all you Canadians traveling down to the States remeber to use the Canadian elphabet eh it is as follows AA BA CA DA EA etc |
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| Michelle Linklater |
2 |
West |
games |
| i like it was a fun experiance |
| |
| Michelle Pary |
1994-1999 |
West |
games,kiddieland rides |
| I started out working on the games for Dave and then moved to kiddy rides for John and a bit for Donny. I had alot of wild experiences(thanks to Shawn Berube). I made alot of friends, some I still keep in touch with, and I learned alot. I remember workin hard, livin in the "possum belly inn" with Az and Matt, getting escorted off the grounds in T.O. (I became famous for that one),riding from town to town in the truck with John and the others, and having a blast over all. It really was a life changing experience-one I will never forget. Every year I still get the "itch" to go, you carnies know what I'm talking about, admit it! But I have a whole new life now, thanks to a beautiful 6 year old daughter, she is my whole world now, and I wouldn't trade her for anything. Still, I will always look on my show days as one of the best jobs I've ever had and some of the best times of my life. |
| |
| Michelle - Yankee's daughter |
a few |
west / south |
a few |
| I thought this would be a good way to get in contact with some old friends HI!!! |
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| Mike McKenzie |
2 |
West |
mitch's monsterdogs/ conko's pizza |
| i started working for mitch and conklin shows in 2001 it was the best thing i have ever done to the present time, i am vary thankfull for all friends i had met while traveling with conklin and mitch. many things i have done and places i have gone are all thanks to the family that i knew for a short time. i will always remmember |
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| Miki Corazza |
On the midway from 1972-2005 |
West |
Rides,Ticketseller, Ride Time Office, Fin op, Bertrand Rides Office Mgr/FinOp, Asst Unit Mgr Supershow 1989-90,Tarot Reader, West CSI, East Supershow, CNE |
| I started with Conklin at 13, (lied about my age...ooops) worked on the caterpiller and a million other rides, offices and management.I met my lifelong friend Kathy Selecky when she worked next to me on The kiddieland skyliner.My life was spent growing up with and working with Conko, Kathy, Joe Bob, Hippie, Lurch, DonnyBertrand,Buffy, John-John, Barry" Bloke" Ford, Gary,Dave McKelvie,Roger Thompson,Tom Coffing,Chuck Charron,Larry Sheridan,John Gallant,John Copping,Pat Rice ,Dave Sellers and Scooter just to name a few.I did everything over the years and filled empty holes at times.. even turning arrows in Elmvale on a freezing October thanksgiving weekend when someone quit.These were and always will be the best days of my life, now Ive run away and joined a home, and live in Downtown Toronto where I write a daily feature column for Sun Media. I would definately welcome hearing from anyone who knows me.. |
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| Miranda Rehaume (Bubbles) |
6 years |
North and South |
games/rides/ WILDCAT CREW |
| I actually ran away from home and joined the carnival. My daughter is a real carnie kid... Thanks to Rick Douglas for all the support and help. And to Yankee for joining me on the football field... what a night that was. Blair and I will be back soon.. |
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| Murray Anson |
13 |
West |
ride operator |
| I started at the show in 1993 and ended in 2005. I enjoyed many years of fun with not only the people I worked with but with the people I met during those years. I love the fact that everyone that I worked with accepted me as a part of the family including the owner himself. I learned so many new things that no amount of space would do it justice. Most of my experiences was through the show and I am grateful for the fun I was able to achieve through it. |
| |
| mush |
a few in between |
West 2001 |
promoter agent |
| I had a great time, loved the people I worked with. Barry Sproule was one cool dude to put up with my program thanks Barry. Howard a.k.a "Lurch"was pretty cool too!Jhon Gallant is a pretty good public relations man. He really knows how to deal with the public. Thank you very much - MUSHROOM!!!!! |
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| Nancy Luik (nee: Hadley) |
1978- 1979 |
West |
Assistant Food Manager |
| Wonderful memories! |
| |
| Nathalie |
6 |
West |
Games |
| I worked pretty much any game Mike Dobson or Gary could come up with.From dropping monkeys, frog songs and skattering balls. Being on the road was definitely the most life altering experience I will ever have. Made some great friends, made a baby and got a hubby. What else can I say. Now that I have a quiet little air conditionned office, I think back and wonder how I managed those long hours, too hot to breathe days, a tornado in Winnipeg, Thunder Bay during hurricane season. And lets not forget snow in July for the stampede. I miss the people most of all. |
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| Nathan Clearihue |
1 |
West |
photographer |
| I never actually worked for Cnklin however i enjoyed the fair so much as a kid and then into my adult years. For the past 10 years, I have been taking photo's at the Buffalo Days fair in Regina, and it consists mainly of the Conklin Rides that were available that year, if you are interested in any of them at all, please let me know, and I would be more than willing to share the photo's. |
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| Neil Tapley |
1976-1989 |
West |
worked in every part of the show! |
| I started working on the Rotor then worked on the Zipper. After that worked on the Music Express. Next built the Polar Express (with lots of help in sunny Ft.Lauterdale with some of the best guy's I ever worked with) After being a ride guy I went into games. Next got into food (Fruit Shake)Have to say after all these years still miss the friendship of all the people that I worked with. I hope that if any other people that I knew from back in those day's see this they could email me. It would be nice to stay intouch. |
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| Nick Sidor |
1966-1979 |
Ontario, west, CNE |
Games |
| |
| Nina Valdez |
12 |
Dade County |
sales |
| I've known Beth Gray and her family since the 1970s, When she met her husband Rick and married, I was very happy for them. Beth's family had been in the show business for many years and generation. Her husband convinced her to continue the love affair and they have been with Conklin probably since about 1990 or so. I work for them when I need extra money and they are glad to have an extra hand. I think of them as family and admire them greatly. Her mother Bea was always like a mother to me too. |
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| Patty Hachey |
1983-1989 |
West |
Jones Bingo and I Got IT |
| Loved the experience! And as many of ladies who joined Conklin throughout the years I had the time of my life! I even found my first love working the CNE I worked the Jones Bingo and I Got It and he worked the double loop rollercoaster. I was there for every set up and tear down.To the whole Bingo and I Got it gang what a great time. John and Max if you ever read this thanks for the great memories! And Max well what can I say you gave my life a double loop. Miss you. |
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| Paul Zink |
1999 |
American |
Giant Wheel |
| border guards in bad mood @ crossing time (denied) |
| |
| Percy Courville |
2001-2003 |
West |
ride operator |
| I want to thank jim Caskey and rodger thomson for the opportunity of a life time.The Life they showed me was very hard but rewarding because it taught me how to work with people. the winter quarters was good, the work I did with tim walls was good .I didn't mind him yelling at me do this do that climb up there . That was scary for me . I still use the crane trainning that he taught me .I'm sorry for all the trouble that I might have caused but the experience I now use in life. I'm now a certified chef and happily married and have a good life .Thanks to you people who opened my eyes to a better life your friend forever Percy c. |
| |
| Percy Smith |
6 |
Trillium in Windsor |
|
| I worked every time the show came to Windsor for six years. |
| |
| Phil aka "Stifler" |
on and off for 13 years |
World's Finest / Conklin |
Joints |
| Started as a balloon kid when I was 8 and I was warned that once it's in your blood you'll never get it out. Well this year; 2004 I was out for the full season in a Balloon Store. Had some ups and downs out there. The Wheel never stops turning and you will see me out there for years to come. CHEERS |
| |
| Randy Wood |
89-95 |
West |
ride jock |
| Worked the West it was the best lost some skin would do it again. Western Road Show ROCKS!!!!!!!! |
| |
| Raymond Steele |
4 |
West |
ride operator |
| I worked for 4 years as a ride operator and helped the electrician the last year of the unit out of New York.. |
| |
| Rhino Rinehart |
1980-81 |
West |
Food |
| I was with Rusty Groscurth the first 2 years he was in Canada. He owned Groscurth superdog factories. I worked for groscurths superdog factories in 1983-84. |
| |
| Richard Dalkranian |
|
West |
Electronics tech? |
| Some of the best people and best times in my life, The Zacchini's, Jim Caskey and many more... |
| |
| Richard Simmons |
1994-1998 |
West / South |
Rides |
| I started my first year in Yonkers with Bill Lauther on Conko's Circus. After that I joined the Spectacular division headed by Jim Caskey and worked my way up to be the 1'st Foreman of the G-FORCE. I'd like to thank MR. CONKLIN and his staff for giving me a chance. |
| |
| Rick AKA Stick |
15 years 1974-1988 |
Bicycle Unit |
Ride Operator |
| I loved the years working with this fabulous show not only did I see a lotta country but I learnt so much about life in general. I started out at an early age of 7 with my dad when he traveled with another show called March Shows I started there as a joint jockey and grew from there. |
| |
| Rick Leedham |
'97 & '99 |
West |
Food Service |
| From Toronto, I did two east coast trips in the States, with Mike Z. (Meester Mike), and a couple in the west in a third run before leaving. Those were some good times. I only wish I go back in time and continued with the knowledge I have now and help make the magic. |
| |
| Rob Penner |
3 Full + 3Part |
West |
Ride operator |
| I first started working for a gentleman named Lance from the Northern Lights unit. That was in Winnipeg in 1990. I ran the paratrooper in Winnipeg and Calgary. After Calgary the paratrooper went no further. During this time I had met some of the guys from the Western Roadshow and expressed my desire to continue on. So in turn I was taken aboard and went on to work on the Rotor under Al Rankin. It was a great time and enjoyed the atmosphere of it all. I continued on for 1991 and 1992. During that time my main ride was the Rotor but I also dabbled on a few other rides along the way. I will always remember what John John had told me and I quote "LEARN WITH YOUR EYES!" That was the best thing I was ever told cause it really did help to learn the setup and operation of multiple rides. During the fall of 1992 my first son was born and some of you may have seen him in the uniform office as a little tyke. This was the end of my traveling
and I came out for Winnipeg in 93,94 and 95. Met a great bunch of people during my time spent with conklin. I even witnessed some scary moments with some accidents but all turned out. I would just like to thank Conklin for the opportunity I was given to take in this lifestyle and work. If anyone out there remembers me give me a hollar at howl_67@hotmail.com ..Hope to hear from some great people. |
| |
| Rob De Bruin |
11 |
West |
kiddieland sup. |
| Had a lot of fun and met alot of people. doing well now with children and living life to the fullest.Getting off the road was hard.A person does not realize that the daily draw could save the day. |
| |
| Robyn Strickland |
20 |
West |
Head Whack a Moler |
| WOW I love my job with Conklin. I have done it all, Whack a mole, Bingo caller, horsey spinner, money wheel, break a balloon, ring toss, shoot out the star, hopefully one day I can be the announcer guy on the Polar Bear Express |
| |
| roger williamson |
5 on and off |
West |
ride operator |
| i started working with the show when i was 16 and i loved it and i love it still i worked on the dopple loop mark one the crazy mouse and other rides i helped out on others rides like the polar set up giant wheel and other rides iam a very hard worker i love working for the show i would love to go back iam a great guy i worked in 06 on the fire ball with allan villers he is a great guy hope you doing wheel budy and all the conklin crew roger yankee bruno slice and all the conklin team u guys are great roger thompson is the greatest boss i have ever worked for |
| |
| Russell Noel |
1978-1981 |
West / South |
motordrome rider / ride operator |
| It is always good to here from old friends. |
| |
| ryan.w |
2000-2005 |
West |
a fan of conklin shows |
| well when i was a young boy around 6 or 7 i went to my first fair and i had a blast and i always remember it...i was a very big boy when i was 7 and was tall for my age so i got on alot of the rides.I remember going on the gforce and the wildcat and the enterprise all those great rides that dont even exsist in canada anymore and thats what kind of upsets me.....im a teenager now and we have north american midway shows and the rides dont compare to all the rides conklin shows provided, u guys had the g force spin out crazy fip inverter g force and all these crazy fun rides..i just hope one day conklin shos will exsist again so that i can have a fun time againa and bring back memories that will last a life time...thank u conklin shows |
