Alumni

To join our alumni list, see our Contribute to the History of Conklin Group page.

Name E-mail	Years Worked	Route	Position
Rob M Connelly	25	Conklin Shows International (CSI)	owner/operator
Ran LeMans slot car raceway and pounce remote boats and cars. Began when I was 15 years old and was with a circus before that. Hats off to the Conklins.

Space	10	Conklin Shows International (CSI)	Rides
Hi! Space here. Traveled for a few years met some good people and some not so good.Started with Hippy on the Enterprise.

Jay Fullerton	4 1/2	Worlds Finest Shows	ride supervisor
Ok, here's a story 4 everyone. my name is Jay, i worked 4 Barry Jamieson on the Talbot unit. i started in 96. in 97 we played Mattawa ont. just outside of north bay, if u stand at the waterfront in mattawa, u can c 3 white crosses on the top of the rock face on the other side of the river( in Quebec). when i saw the crosses, i told almost all my co-workers that i was going to cross the mile long train bridge and climb up there. and when i got up there, i would set fireworks off so all the people who thought i was full of crap, would know i was serious. i managed to get a few friends together 4 the hike, course not all of us made it to the top. but i did, and a few others, no names. the bosses would have killed us, and i didn't want to deal with Kenny Adams, would u, lol. (god rest his sole)much missed. anyways story, so while we were on our little adventure, everyone else was partying and getting wasted at the bunks, which were on location that year, one o f those getting drunk was Brodie, and at the time he was dating a little hottie named Tova. so anyways brodie got so wasted, and while in a fight with tova, strip off all his clothes and said he'd drowned himself if she left him, that part even i know 4 sure. cause he was screaming it at the top of his lungs, and we could hear him clear as day, im sure everyone heard him. poor brodie myke, was a hurting unit the next day 4 setup. hope u all liked the story, lol. don't worry i've lots more.

joyce hohner	6 or 7	Bicycle Unit	manager of a watergun for dobco
I had many a good year on the road, I knew a lot of good people. Pat Marco. Kim Sidor, Stitch,Plague and many many more.Yhe memories are wonderful.

peggy oliver	1999	Worlds Finest Shows	ticket sales
met my husband - he was a ride guy and we started dating, then left my job to come out on the show with him. We have been together ever since.....

Cheryl Arsenault (Patterson)	1984-1994	Canada's Conklin Shows	Foods, rides, games
I am so glad Conklin shows came into my life. I met some really great people. I was 13 when I started,and was immediately adopted by a bunch of ride jocks. Al , Gary, John, Max. You know who you are! who kept me out of trouble over the years. Thanks a bunch!! I had great friendships and heartaches too, but those experiences are what makes me the person I am today.My favorite fair was West Springfield, Mass. they made the best wraps and had the best clam chowder.I just want to say thank you to all who touched my life. I am now married with two boys 13 & 9.

Rod Freire	3+	Bicycle Unit	conklin jointee
was known as chico back then, great times....would like to get ahold of some of the folks that i worked with

trevor holmes	12	Conklin Shows International (CSI)	games (the trap)
hey this is trevor holmes...looking for friends i know through my travelling days. i worked for barry sproule, and dobco for manny years...im a singer/songwriter now persuing my musical dreams..

Larry Pigeon? sweetkid	1979-1982	Bicycle Unit	Metcalfe Foods
I ran away with clive and the boys when i was 15 yrs. I worked for clive in renfrew the year before when the unit came to town. we had a good crew of boys back then. those were the days.

Jeff McGee	10	Worlds Finest Shows	Ride Opertor/Concession Owner
I wasn't your average kid when I was younger,,I didn't have that "doctor or policeman" wanna be dream in life, I wanted to work for the carnival. and it was funny because my parents hated the thought of that, not knowing this business has changed a large amount since they were young and all the money that is out there. So when i was about 12, Barry would come to town a few days early to lay out the lot and I would be there to help every year, and when they got to town I would work in a joint for the spot, and that was it till next year. As i got older he put me to work on the rides, so after all my schooling was done I joined the show full time, been on the road now for 10 years for Barry, and I also own a couple joints now. You couldn't work on a better show than WFS The best times i have are on that show and I expect to be there for the better part of my life. Anyways,,that's all i really got to say,,Take Care All!!!

Doug Swenson	28 years	Canada's Conklin Shows	rides,games,office,electrican
met alot of great people and beautiful places and still in the industry.

Joseph Passeri	27 yrs	Canada's Conklin Shows	owner/ operator
As a teenager at the age of 15 the carnival came into Windsor and the first job i had was working in the coke roll for ten toes inc. At that time we had to find our own transportation from spot to spot. We slept in the games and if we did get a hotel room, we had about 8 people sleeping in it. The following year i worked for robert gable, we were travelling in ontario from may to october. Some of us used to set up some rides to get some extra cash before setting up the concessions. The rides that we set up were all manual labour. Back then for those who can remember, we stuck together and helped each other out in difficult times. Eventually i purchased the operation from robert gable and travelled with is now known as world's finest show's. I watched a young Barry Jamieson develop from a ride operator into owning and operating one of the finest shows. Now that his sons have grown, they are now taking his place and maybe he can someday take a well deserved break. Through these times i have met and learned quite alot from many people. Two weeks ago i purchased my first ride from jim conklin and who will know where it will take me from there. Best of luck to all.

raymond richer	30 yrs	Worlds Finest Shows	game clerk
the best show ever.

Jim Collins	4 years, 2 complete	Worlds Finest Shows	Polar Express, Cobra Coaster
Not really Much of a Story to be told, When I was a Kid I always Loved Rides, I was a Ride Junkey, always at Amusement Parks and Carnivals, Bauce Carnival Used to Come to My home Town when I was 12 I was going to Run Away with them but not speaking french I couldn't tell them That I wanted to work for them, also it wouldn't have happened due to my age but meh, when I was 15 we moved to windsor so I was at freedom festival everyday while it was on every year, I was 18 when barry hired me for crown and anchors, I made like 2000 that year for two weeks, oddly enough that really isn't much, the next year I worked localy as a ride guy though I don't remeber what ride it was, the next year I joined up fairly early on into the season, I worked the Bumble Beez, then to the Cobra Coaster, the next year (last year) I worked the cobra coaster right from the begining till peterbourough, then I got put on polor express and I loved my job in every asspect of it till the end of the season from that moment on. I know it's not much of a story but it the only one I got~Jim Collins~

M. Burge	n/a	Canada's Conklin Shows	n/a
I grew up and lived in Toronto for most of my life. A trip to the CNE was an annual summer event which I always looked forward to going to. I remember one year in particular, walking by a tent where they were showing very strange things; it must have been what used to be referred to as a freak show. I was very young, maybe 8 or 10, (mid '60's) and my mother asked if I wanted to go in and see these things. I don't remember being particularly enthused, but my mom must have been because she paid the extra admission for the two of us. Something must have really intrigued her because our family didn't have a lot of money, and once at the CNE, we didn't spend a whole lot more...those were the days of Freebies! Anyhow, I remember seeing a grotesquely fat women named Dainty Dora. I wanted to leave, but my mother actually made me stand in line to get a picture which she was signing and handing out... another one of those freebies I guess. I can't imagine why I have held on to it, but I still have it after all these years, signed Best Wishes Dainty Dora 796 lbs. I would be happy to donate this picture to your book, if you are interested. Please let me know.

Yvonne Franklin	2	Worlds Finest Shows	games
I worked for the Talbot Unit. How I ended up working for them is kinda funny. My son worked for the company and introduced me to the boss. So that is how I began to work for the show.

Blake Hargreaves	n/a	Canada's Conklin Shows	n/a
Hello I am assuming this is John Thurston here. This is Blake, I am interning at the National Post for a week and we're doing a short piece on the CNE. I think it's a top ten sort of thing, interesting facts or narratives relating to the CNE. I thought maybe you could provide some insights for me as I try to get my name on the byline. You can email me if you are interested.Thanks,Blake H

Tammy	1983 - 1991 on and off	Bicycle Unit	Add'em Up Darts
I worked for Ozzy Mostoway and Mark McKarl, what a great bunch, I had a great time with great people, I will never forget it! Thanks Guys.

John Gravelle	83 & 87	Bicycle Unit	ride operator
My father Eugene "bessman - Jerry" Gravelle worked for Jimmy Conklin from '66-'72. Hearing all the great stories he would tell me as a child led me to join in '83. Working for Barry Jamieson on the rocko plane and other rides. Then again in '87 working the tilt-a-whirl with Gordy Miller. During that season working on teardown of the tilt with 3 of my brothers trying to beat my dads teardown time of 2 hours and 10 minutes, lost challenge by fun 5 minutes but had fun trying. This and all the fun working with the crew, smoking drinking and fighting are some of my great memories of the past.

Michelle Pary	1995-1999	Canada's Conklin Shows	games, kiddieland rides
I started working the show in Edmonton(Thanks to Shawn Berube). Had many many wild experiences, and learned a LOT!! Traveled all Canadian cities, got to see alot of country, met alot of friends, some who I still keep as friends. Wow, what can I say? Worked games for Dave, and kiddie rides for both Donnie and John Gallant. Would love to talk to old rivals again. Remember "The Possum Belly Inn", getting escorted off the grounds in T.O., (I bacame famous with that one), say hey to all the bosses, like Frank C himself, and Ihope all the best for everyone that had a life changing experience, I still get the itch every year to go.

katlyn	a lot	Canada's Conklin Shows	everything
I woud like to thank everyone at conklin for the best years i've ever had.

Tommy Coffing	25	Canada's Conklin Shows	I worked everywhere !!!
I grew up around Conklin Shows.As a kid my father Ray ran the eastern road Show Ride Dept.In 1976 When The show went west so did we.My granfather Clyde worked for Patty Conklin, my father Ray worked for Patty and Jim and I worked for Jim and Frank. I stayed with the show until 1992. The greatest years of my life were spent around the show.

Bob Borden	1988 - 2000	Canada's Conklin Shows	Cash / Ticket Office
I really enjoyed my years with Conklin Shows and cherish the memories of the people I have met. To my surprise I was able to accumulate over 4000 pictures of my experiences, and forward to hearing from anyone that I worked with over the years.

Brandy Grundstrom	1 yr	Worlds Finest Shows	games
I have nothing major to report except that I had a great time while I was working here. Sometimes I wish I could come back but now I just bring my children to enjoy the fun!!

Tyler McMaster	6	Super Shows Canada	Rides/Games
Hi My Name Is Tyler Or know as Fester On the Road i love the road its where i feel the most at home with the best crew ever we make it right and the best bosses ever Albert And Dave. if it wasn't for Albert giving me the chance to work back in 2000 in Barrie i dont no where i'll be today now i want to run my own show MMOA Setting The Standards For Excellence is my name i just want to say THANKS to Albert And Dave THANK YOU for giving me a chance

Hollie Harris	mid to late 80s	Big E- AL- SC- PR	Games and food
Oh my what a time to be had!!! I started off my stint with conklin shows working for Dobco then went on to to work for Meester Mikes. I would never trade in the fun, friends, heartache and joys i experianced along the way.

Robert Stamenov	1970-s and yearly 80s	Toronto CNE	Art Department. Various rides. Inforormation Booth
I originally started flipping burgers at Allens Hamburgers (by thr TTC gate) and then worked for Carl (Conklins art department) as a painter. He taught me some sign writing techniques that I used for years .He was very nice person and the memory of him still comes to me.I worked on various rides the love bugs artic cat public relations booth.It was great time .I still have friends from those summer days .I have been taking my little boy to the ex and filling him up with fond memories.I miss the old buildings and the midway .Please include more arcival images at the history display at this years CNE .

Raymond Hobbs	1 and a half years ... now with WFS	supershows, worlds finest shows	agent-game shark
this whole thing was a dare one summer ...loved the enviroment and people and never left since....worked for Bruce Anthony 1 and a alf BB concession....WFS.......coming out 06 with Passeri concessions

Pinto	92/ 97 & 2001/ 2003	canada/ us	GW foreman/ asst ride sup
Had a blast the best job i ever will have. I have to show up once a year to get my fix. Thank you frank & roger

Monica Sparling	2 partial years	supershows	games, and ride operator
I want to say that working with the show has helped me in so many ways... i made new friends. I got to get away from the day to day bull crap at home... and most of all had many good time... i want to send a shout out to everyone on the crew miss you lotz ...

Robert Collett	12	a circuit / cnd/ usa/ pr	rides /games /food
too much to tell it all. was a great time in my life . if i was younger i would still be doing it. every 1 should do it. it's a great way to see the country

Russell Noel	4	south, west, a circut	motor drome,super himalaya, tidal wave
its great hearing from old friends

Gwyneth	1	Calgary to T. O.	ticket booths and superviser
My carnie days started back when I was 14 with west coast amusements, but I was always going west so when I got the chance to head east with Conklin I jumped on it... actually If Tracey wouldn't have kicked my ass to Thunder bay that night in regina I wouldve ended up back on the rides instead of supervising..... (sorry Tracey for messin up in T.O..) She's one of the best to work for and hopefully soon I will be back, Cuz it just never leaves the blood......It would be nice to hear from Marie in the tix office again,I know you tracked me down once in calgary, you can do it again!

Kelly (Blondie/Chicklet)	1994-96	CNE/ Canadian Circuit	Ride Operator - Kiddieland
I started with Conklin Shows @ the CNE in Toronto, '94 &'95, then I was given the opportunity to travel. I had a great time, I made some great friends and lots of great memories. Especially at the CNE. Newfie & Robert jr, email me!!

Rick Thursfield	1980	Bicycle unit Brantford	Electrician
A lot of hard work and a lot of great times.

Tom Griessmeier	last 25 off and on	Bernard unit and SuperShows	rides, games, driver
I started working rides when I was 17 on bernard unit and John Homeniuk was manager. I worked off and on for last 25 years. Supershows has been my home for the last 2 years.

Maria Kostas	1978-79	Santa Domingo, and Florida in U.S.	rope ladder agent
Worked for Preacher and Barbara of "Looneys on Leave, John R. worked w/ them also. We lived in the Blue Bus- I went to Santa Domingo w/ Conklin- I was making a 16 mm. color sync sound documentary at the time- I traveled with my dog Luna, someone named Sandy from Canada Conklin show named my dog "Lunar Module". I have some slides from Conklin in Santa Domingo - no money made there, just a lot of memories- John R. is in Chicago- and I am here running a small business supplying part time staff to catering companies- this too is a society withing one- my carnie days prepared me well for dealing w/ people. I bet I can still cllimb the ladder, and I'll be 50 this year.

Michelle McDormand	3 weeks 2003	Calgary/ Edmonton	Giant Wheel
I started out as a carnie brat with West Coast Amusements. When I moved to Calgary I found myself with the opportunity to work at the Carnival like my family. What a blessing it was to join the Conklin Family. Every year I still stop by the Giant Wheel to see how the guys are doing. I miss the road a lot. Meeting so many different people is amazing. What an experience I will never forget!!

Rod Gertsma (Buzz)	1981 off and on till 1997	A Circuit	Rides 'Games 'Food ect.
I started on the Matterhorn and other rides for two years.went to games for Mike Dobson.Had the best time of my life.Thanks Buzz.

Al Rankin	1986 2005	west	ride superviser
I love the road and the people see you at the fair

Tyler McMaster	4	SuperShows	Games
I Love Working For Conklin Shows When I Get a Truck I Will Travel With The Main Show And Get My AZ and Crane Licence. You Guys Are The Best

AL MCINTYRE	2	West	ENTERPRISE RIDE OPERATER
ONE OF THE HARDEST AND MOST ENJOYABLE 2 YEARS

Andrew Montague	2000-2001	West, south	Kiddieland
It was an excellent experience.:

Azrael	1990-1995	EDMONTON - TORONTO	Ride Operator
WORKED FOR JOHN GALLANT ON THE PILLOWS IN KIDDYLAND.

Azrael Wick	1999- 2003	Edmonton-Toronto	Ride operator
hi everyone i was a ride operator in kiddyland

Bill Berthin (Pampers)	2	East	Rides
I was a thorn in Barry Jamieson's ass. But I worked hard too!

Blair Rombough	13 years	Canadian	Giant wheel / games
I started with Mike Dobson.. blowing balloons of course... My big brother Joey conivinced me to travel and work on the GW with him.. i had many fun summers and met many great people out there. My youngest Daughter is of course a carnie kid.

Bob B.	1985-2002	Ottawa and the east	Money taker!
I started working in the balloon joint, that was owned by Kenny T. I worked for him for about 3 years, then I went to the Bingo that was then owned by Mrs Bourbonnais and then her son Marc took over. I had lots of good times on the show. I started my first year working the Gloucester Fair and then I eventually worked the Belleville Fair once, then I worked the Renfrew Fair a few years and my last spot was working the Ottawa Ex. I met lots of fun people back then. If single/no kids/would do it again.

Brad Beghetto	1981-87	West / East	Rides and games
It was great travelling all over Canada!! Met lots of people and always wondered what happened to them including all the females. Young people should experience this once in their life. Long hours and lots of parties & locals.

Carson D. Lee	1978-1981	West / East	Dobson concessions
Worked in Santo Domingo and San Juan. Worked in all 3 units, PNE and CNE. My wife and I now reside in Tempe, Arizona.

Chelsey Iverson	4 days ; 2001	Calgary	Guest Relations
I worked with Conklin in the summer of 2001 in the guest relations booth with my mom and my older sister. I actually only worked the last 4 days, because my mom's boss asked my sister and I too. I loved working for conklin.

Chris Spence	1990-93, 1994, 1997	West, South Carolina	Jones Bingo
I was proud to have started my Bingo Boy days; teardown night in Brandon MB in 1990. My cousin Dexter had introduced me to the Negus's (Bob & Bea). Bea's nephew, Bill Jr. took over the joint in 1992, he was a good boss and put up with more than others should. I travelled with the steel joint all the way to Toronto. My crew that stayed most of the way through were, Dexter, Heith, Ian, Lee, Dave, Paul, and the Jones crew. I have many stories of my travels as many of you have as well. I hope someone remembers me and sends me an email. I have moved on to become a successful person. I have taken that Mic experience and barker experience and have started a career in Radio in Toronto. http://www.aboriginalradio.com

Chuck Grosvenor	1977-1979	West and South	Rides and purchasing


Dannie Godin	1994-1999	Patriot Unit/West	A few
Started out on the Patroit unit working the games with Larry/Doc. Moved over to the western tour and had pretty much every job in the Ticket Office. I loved my six summers with the company. As far as I'm concerned I got paid to see my country! The school fundraising parties were a blast!

Dave Godley
In the 1970's I was co-owner of G&G Electronics in Oshawa, Ontario and did sound work for Conklin at the CNE and for the Road Show. My initial contact was Sergei Sawchyn and later dealt directly with Jim Conklin. I repaired and fixed sound equipment for the show. I am now retired and live in Darlington, MD. Last night my wife and I went to the local carnival (we're in our late 50's) and I took her on a ride. It reminded me of the good old days working for Conklin. As we grow older we remember good times in our lives and my experience with Conklin Shows was most enjoyable - all the best to you.

Deanna Mantee	1985-1991 1996-1999	All	All different types
I started working for the show when I was quite young.. only in my home city of Regina though. From then on I worked for Meester Mike across Canada only to return home after T.O. (what stories I could tell there) I worked for Mitch for a few years in Canada also a few years in Dade with McCullough. What can I say about the show - I love it. I made a lot of good friends some of which I still stay in touch with. Some days I wish I could go back but right now children are my life - maybe when they grow up I might be back!

Donald A. Bertrand	13 years	All	Kiddieland sup.
Yes, we all have just one.

Donnie "Monster" Barker	24 started in 79	West and CNE
met lots of great people and had lots of great times

Doug Petersen	1989-1990	West, CNE	Spot store agent
Had A Great time

Flattop	3	Trillium Unit	Rides
Tearing down the dragon wagon one night by myself I could hear Barry Jamieson yelling at Art and then went onto the next ride. As I carried track on to the platform he walked into the centre of the ground where everything was laid out. He was still yelling as I hopped over the wagon.I grabbed another piece of track, hustling my ass off I loaded it and hopped the buckets again.As I was grabbing another piece Barry says to me "slow down son this isn't a race"Having a bad enough week I kept at the same pace not wanting to "#&$@" him off.I tore the wagon down that night in 36 minutes.I enjoyed working there it was fantastic.

Gail Anderson-Checkley	1985- 1999 (temp carnie)	Wpg, Calg, Edm, Reg, TB.	Kiddie Rides + ride painter
Winnipeg, Mb. I began working for Conklin Shows once at 18 yrs old, in ticket sales. Then at 28, Winnipeg only at RR Ex(Polo Park) the pillows for four years, Kiddieland. My heart set on operating the Merry-go-Round. I believe I am the only woman Metis artist to have done carnival art in the shows. I painted while the show slept. I'll never miss set ups and tear downs in the pouring rain (maybe not). For my grandson - Deion Nelson, he'll be a carney - both his parents are!

Gail Camposarcone	6 years	CNE @ Toronto	Kiddie rides - Don B.
I enjoyed my years working for Conklin Shows. It was an experience I'll never forget. I met lots of new friends from all over. Thanks for the expreience.

Gail Connor's	1978- 1979	East, West	Booths
Conklin Shows; god what a fun time in my past history. Enjoyed all the staff I worked with and all the people I met on the road. Wishing everyone well....Gail

Gordana	1999- 2002		Game operator
I worked for conklin for 3 years. It was the best 3 years of my life..:)

Gordon Atkinson	15	West	Bingo
The Bingo Bigtop has always been the class of the rough and tumble carnie world, a quiet, & orderly oasis amid the shrill storm of midway attractions. It's a meeting place (Toronto in Ojibwa) where the tired and the hot, young and old, can settle into a comfortable place. I am the last of the "Ab-original Bingo Boys' - a batch of men and women from reserves, nbsp and cities across Canada who over the years worked at the bingo tent.

Gordon Breedon	4 years	World's Finest Shows	Ride operator
I joined because I was high !

Hayley	Since 1985	West, East, South, Patriot Everywhere	Whatever needed to be done
My time with Conklin was great would love to hear from any of the people I used to work with!

Janet Murton	1980's	Bicycle Unit / Southern Comfort	Ticket Booths
Too many to tell...was a lot of fun.

Janice Berens	1975- 1978	Winnipeg	Candy Floss / Apples
The first year I worked there I was skipping school to do so. I was so proud of myself. I went down and got hired all by myself. I started to work right away. I was so smart(ha,ha)I never thought my parents would know. Everything turned out OK and I was hooked for a few years. Today June 19th,2003 I watched as my daughter walked out the door - where to? - to work in a pizza stand at the Ex. Like parents like child. My husband also worked there.

Janice Kitson	3 seasons	West / USA	Birthday Game / Arcade
Will take a while - worked with Jeannnie Jefferies and for Dave King.

Jason Rideout	2004	World's Finest Shows	Rides / Games
Well; it all started with a dare from a friend of mine one night at a party. Before I knew it I was on the road with some of the best people I ever met.I know one thing for sure - I can't wait to get back on the road.....

Jeff C	1986-90	West	Ticket/cash Office
Just thought this would be a good way to get in touch with some old friends

Jeff Woo aka Bruce Lee	1992- 2003 on and off	West	Rides
It was a great experience and a real eye-opener, I've enjoyed the friendship with the people of Conklin Shows over the years and the people I've met at the different places that we've played. I am thankful for what this business has taught me and the memories. Just in case you don't remember who I am, I am the chinese dude who was recently the operator on the Sno-Ball Express as well I have operated the Orbiter.

Jennifer Lord	3 months in 2001	South	Ticket taker - Snowball Express
I joined Conklin Shows in Columbia, SC in October of 2001 and stayed through 3 spots. I miss everyone very much and plan on coming back real soon. So you be on the watch for me, Joe and Fred! I met some of the most incredible people while I was with Conklin.

Jesi Savage	1996-whenever	West / South	Kiddieland / Drivin' the Grav!
I've been working for conklin on and off for a few years now and I think it's the best job in the world, I met my bf of 6 months on the show this year, we will be in brandon, for the start of the canada run for sure. Gonna work every year for as long as they will let me.

Jesse Sichkaryk	2	West, south	Games Agent
I got the job at the machine guns from my cousin Steve who had been working with the show for about 7 years. I loved the job from the moment I started, it finally gave me a chance to get out and see the world, or maybe just a little.

Jimmy (DFA) Davis	14 years	West / south	Games
The best years of my life!! Wish I had them back!Long hours late nights.Wake up and do it again and again and again then tear-down set-up and do it again for 6 months then sleep for a week!It was my family for 14 years miss all my friends,have lots of pictures and videos. It would be great to talk to you all - HEY WERE OPEN.....WHO'S NEXT!

Joanne Johnson	1997- 1998	West, south	Rides (Bertrand) ; concessions


Joe Thompson	1996- 1998	West, south	Kiddieland


Joey Rombough	1986- 1995	Canadian	Giant Wheel BAby!!!
Joey loved to work on the Giant Wheel.. unfortuantley on May 19/2002 Joey passed away... he made many lifelong friends on the circuit and had many great stories to tell us all... Thanks to all of those who expressed their sympathy this past summer..

John Perry	6 years	West / East	Rides
Working with Conklin and Worlds Finest Show is a big responsibility but you can meet lot of different people and learn lots about the carnival

JOSEPH "cubby" DELORME	1989- 1997	West and South	Ride Tech
I worked for Conklin Shows since I was 18 and had the greatest time in the world. Met so many interesting people. I can't say enough about the carny life and what it has done for me.

Joshua Zack	2	West	Candy Castle, Smoothies
The best thing about working with conklin shows is that you got to meet alot of great people, and the staff partys.

Julie Helmick	1 whole summer on and off	Canada and other	Independant ride owner
My parents were ride owners and I was only twelve at the time but my whole fammily traveled from show to show. I grew up a carnie, I loved the life. It was the most memorable time of my life. We eventually sold all of our rides but it was a time I will never forget.

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.

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.

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!!

Leslie Cringan	1982- 1989	West / East	Games / Office
There are just too many I wouldn't know where to start

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.

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.

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

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.

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.......

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..

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!!!!!

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.

Paul Zink	1999	American	Giant Wheel
border guards in bad mood @ crossing time (denied)

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

Rhino Rinehart	1980-81	West	Food
I was with Rusty Groscurth the first 2 years he was in Canada. He owned Groscurth superdog factories

Richard Dalkranian	1978-1985/ 1998	West	supertech, RadioRick, picked out by Frank
still in process worked 1978-1985 returned 1998 1 year

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.

Samantha Morgan
www.wallofdeathonline.com

Sarah Eubanks	1	Canada / USA	Games - Ten Toes
It all started when I fell in love with a carnie that came to town. Before I knew it, I had left to go to Columbia, SC to work with him but then he had to go do a show in Puerto Rico and I had to go to school in Miami. We stayed in touch, 2 years later we reconnected at the Stampede.

Scott Barkhouse	1976- 1982	Canada and USA	Coaster
I met many people who left me with some great memories and work ethics which I never lost. The travel and zest for life are still with me as I have ventured to the Arctic and the rain forests of Central America. The adventure does stay in your blood. Many friends have passed away and one day the show will go on again.

Scott Pennington	1981- 1984	Little Rock only	West kiddieland (J.Lee)


Sonny Pelaquin


Steven Provost	1998	Big E (w.spfld)	Kiddieland
I loved to see kids with smiles as they saw the autobon car ride.

Sue Staffl	1978- 1979	East, west	Booths
Hi, everyone, I joined Conklin Shows in a era when we were young and having fun. Meeting people at Conklin and working with them was a great experience. I have memories that put a smile on my face and people in my heart.

Tank	10 years	East, west	Games
It was a young man's game and I grew old quick.

Teri	1981- 1997	West	Cookhouse / games
Definitely a life time experience, and I would do it again if I was single....hoping to send my boy on the road when he's old enough so he can experience what it's like.

Terry Hunter	15 years	West	Stock manager
Not enough time for good and bad stories to tell.

Tom Gallant	7 years	West / south	Blinky department
I've been working with conklins shows since i was 12. When I started as a balloon boy and every year I tried something new like working on the Polar Express, Snow ball express, some of the kiddie rides etc. But the one i like is working in the blinky department!

Trever D Southall	1994- 1999	Supershow	Rides, games, food
No story really...

Wade Walker	6 years	Southern Comfort	Ride jock and gofer