The Trade show featured over 300 exhibitors of carnival rides, amusements and products. Lisa Stark photos.
lisa stark photos
Sue Nichols and Amy Bennett of Five Cent Ride custom artwork.
Sharon and Buddy Barlow, publishers of Carnival Magazine.
The IISA’s (International Independent Showmen’s Association) 48th annual Trade Show & Extravaganza was held on the Showmen’s Club grounds last week, Feb. 9-13, where a variety of circus and carnival industry experts, manufacturers and suppliers displayed their wares in a blaze of color and innovation. Considered the largest trade show in the industry, the 300-plus exhibits featured a large array of carnival and amusement products from around the world.
“This is the best place to see the most important vendors in the business, ” said Randy Burnett, who helped organize this year’s event.
Exhibitors included owners, operators and manufacturers from the carnival industry, and represented the best in rides, concession trailers, food supplies, games, lighting, novelty items, plush toys, apparel, sound equipment, recreational vehicles and more.
The festivities began on Super Bowl Sunday with a IISA members Kick-Off Party, followed by the 7th annual Big-Hearted Jerry’s Memorial Golf Tournament, the IISA Annual Banquet & Ball and Awards Presentation, with the theme of “Ragin Cajun,” giving special honor to President Richard George, and finally commencing with the Showmen’s Shriner Annual Meeting and Cemetery Memorial Service on Saturday.
In addition to the indoor and outdoor exhibitions, the 2015 Trade Show also featured daily seminars and workshops addressing the challenges facing professionals in the carnival business.
The International Independent Showmen’s Association is a nonprofit private organization. The original club building opened in 1966 and has expanded to be the largest Showmen’s Association in the United States, growing to more than 4,500 members from all over the world. The IISA donates thousands of dollars each year to charitable organizations as well as issuing scholarships to those in the outdoor amusement business industry.
The International Independent Showmen’s Association is located at 6915 Riverview Drive in Gibsonton. For more information, visit www.gibtownshowmensclub.com or call 813-677-3590.
