by Eva Lewis-Duncan

Created on: September 17, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Carnivals and Midways have been part of our culture for over a century. Today, while we see carnival midways at least once a year, regardless of where we live, the life and underbelly of a carnival, or midway, is completely mysterious.
Contrary to the common perception of carnival workers, called 'carnies' or 'carny's', very few are pedophiles. Many people view carnies thru jaded eyes, seeing pedophiles, felons, miscreants, druggies, and alcoholics... unsavory characters to say the least.

In reality, while there is a portion of carnies who have had trouble with the law in their past, they generally seek the anonymous solitude and acceptance they receive on a carnival midway... and usually get in little legal snafu's beyond minor offenses, such as not paying a ticket.
The average life of a carnie revolves around set up and tear down, more than the week in the middle. While the week itself is more important to joinies, as they earn a commission, and are usually officially called 'agents', the average ride jock lives for setting up and tearing down. The set up and tear down are the hardest, and most important parts of the entire week. When you arrive on a spot, if you're lucky, you might have a couple days to set up. More often, you arrive, and 'spot' the rides/joints on their places. Within hours, set up is in full motion. The dedication of a carnie to their ride is unrivaled. They are ferocious in ensuring their ride is set up correctly, and properly, and don't break off until the last R key is in place. This brings me to address another common misconception. While accidents DO happen, the percentage of carnival midway related accidents is exceptionally low. This is a direct reflection on the carnies who work day and night, rain or shine to keep the show running.
Having lived in the true carnival midway life, as a carnie, and a joinie (game joint or food joint worker), and married a ride supervisor, I have seen the deep camaraderie and brother/sisterhood which exist there. A carnival midway is truly a self-contained community, with families, love, laundry, and all the trappings of common daily life. In reality, the biggest difference between a blue-collar worker and a carnie is in the fact that carnies work longer hours, and work harder, and give of themselves on a daily basis to the community they are actively working in.
So next time you see a carnie, don't stop and prejudge them based on your preconceived notions, instead, view them thru open eyes, and see the hard working person who contributes to the invaluable entertainment of your community, as well as their economic boost to your area while they are there.
The carnival life is not for everyone... but once it's in your blood, you'll never lose the draw to it. Even after 3 years of living back home, when I smell diesel fumes on a clear spring day, I am immediately transported back to the glorious, wonderfully hectic set up days of my past... and I would trade it for nothing.
As a side note, I, the author, did not come from a low-income family, or from a legally fraught background. I was a professional plus size teen model, and national beauty pageant queen from the upper crust of Panama City, Florida, and am college educated, with a plethora of degrees and certificates. You can't ever judge a carnie by their being on a midway... you'd be surprised by some of the intellectuals you can find hiding there from the mundane life of the common world.

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