I left before dawn this morning, wanting to avoid the heat, anticipating a day in the 90's. A train whistle blew as I closed the door behind me, so I headed for the railroad tracks, hoping to be there in time to see the train pass. There's just something about trains. I hustled, but slowed to listen to the birds calling, and didn't get there in time. I felt the cool tracks when I arrived, and sat there with my hand on the rail, feeling the vibration fade. I walked down the tracks in the cool before dawn, and found myself at the park in Bussey, IA. Much to my delight, a carnival had arrived overnight, and equipment, rides, and RV's covered one corner of the park. Bussey has a great Fourth of July celebration, and the carnival had arrived early to set up.
I walked quietly through the carnival area, not wishing to wake anyone up. The city had mowed the grass the day before to be ready for the event where hundreds, if not thousands, of people with ties to Bussey (population about 450) come home for the Fourth of July.
I was pleased to see that the company that owned the carnival was local--nearby Oskaloosa. Which made me think that I needed to know more about them. How do they make money? Does the city pay them, or do they come for free and make money off of concessions and rides? Do they travel far? Do they go to Missouri? Nebraska? Illinois? Does someone try to book them for county fairs? Is there lots of competition from other companies? How do they keep their rides safe? Are there inspections? How about the food? How does one get into the carnival business?
The Wizard of Oz has always been one of my favorite movies--I wonder why they chose this theme? I also wondered about who painted this. A local, or is this something that is purchased? How can a movie that premiered in 1939 still hold our attention? Where did the artist learn this technique?
I saw the concession stand and knew I would come for the holiday, bring the kids and buy something. Probably too much. I have been at the park for the holiday before, and the place is packed. All of the boards that you see in the foreground have numbers and labels on them. Like pieces to a puzzle they must fit something! How long does it take to be a good worker? Are they really called "carnie's," or could that be an insult? Why does someone go into that kind of work, and how does it pay? Is it a rewarding lifestyle? Do they work all day in the heat setting up, or do they get up early to work in the cool of the morning? Do they only work every weekend? Do they get paid by the hour, or are they salaried?
And, are there clowns? Seems that clowns are with circuses, but why not have a clown image or two at a carnival?
Wow, so many questions. All from a walk before dawn. I beat the heat, got an hour's worth of exercise, and lots to think about. Works for me.
