How to Run a Professional Carnival
Spend a day at the carnival, enjoying the rides, games and summer weather, and you might get the idea that running such an event would be fun and easy. In fact, this is one of the most grueling jobs a person can take on, involving little sleep and unpredictable financial returns. Don't do it unless you are truly committed.
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Instructions
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Study your competition. There are between 650 and 700 carnivals operating in the United States, and each one has a distinct territory. If your carnival has an existing route, stick with it. If it does not, you will want to design one that does not put you at a competitive disadvantage.
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Book your events a year in advance. The carnival season is roughly March/April through October/November. If you wait until the beginning of the year to book for the coming season, you will be in trouble.
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Insure your carnival. This is expensive. Often carnivals spend between $30,000 and $40,000 a year on liability, workers compensation and vehicle insurance. Expect that profits from your first successful event of the year will be devoted just to covering these costs.
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Hire a reliable staff. Between morning set-up, operating hours, evening tear-down and travel between events, your staff may sometimes get no more than an hour of sleep per night. They will need endurance and a strong work ethic. Also, make sure that your employees are clean and sober. Alcoholism and drug abuse can sometimes be a problem in this business.
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Maintain your equipment. If you are not qualified to keep your rides, generators and other equipment in top shape, then you will need to hire someone who is. Every state has its own inspection laws and your gear will be frequently inspected, often without warning, as you travel from town to town.
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Investigate the latest trends and technology in the industry. It is important to stay current and modernize your carnival each year so you are ahead of, or at least in step with, the competition. See the link below for current industry news.
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Tips & Warnings
Budget conservatively for the coming season. Remember that you are at the mercy of factors beyond your control, such as the weather and the advertising efforts of your customer.
Game trailers and concession stands are usually provided by independent operators. So you will not have to manage these yourself.
All of your money-making will happen in the spring, summer and early fall. You will make nothing from November to March--perhaps longer, depending on when your season begins and ends. Plan accordingly.
With all your traveling, diesel costs will be a large expense in your budget. Be sure to plan your route intelligently to avoid unnecessary driving.
