[swampfox43]

I'm sure there are plenty of folks here that love the good ole carnival atmosphere as much as I do. Since Spring is typically the time that we here in the south see these small operations, I thought it would be nice to have a thread devoted to carnival sitings in the area.

I will add my first siting along with the rides that I noticed.

Location: Galleria Mall, Rock Hill, SC (approx. 9 miles south of Carowinds)
Directions: I-77 to Dave Lyle Blvd.
Rides of interest: Tempest, Round-Up & cool looking Ferris Wheel.
Carnival Operator: Smokey Mountain Amusements of Robbinsville, NC

There were also several kiddie rides and of course the games of chance. Although this is a rather small operation, it's getting harder to find some of the rare rides like Tempest & Round-Up. There may have been some other adult rides but it was dark when I rode by.

[coastermom2]

:unsure: I've always been leary of carnival rides. Those carnivals look like fun
but I've only been to one in Charlotte and I found the "clientele" to be
a bit dodgy, not the "family/enthusiast" type you can find at Carowinds.
As a child, I think we went to a couple in Asheville but I only rode a few
of the kiddie rides then.

I just can't seem to bring myself to feel comfortable on those portable thrill rides.
Are there safety standards for carnival rides? I would think there would have
to be. Are they inspected or tested before allowing riders to board? :unsure:

This is an area of amusement I am not as familiar with as I am stationary
parks with rides bolted into the ground.

[swampfox43]

:unsure: I've always been leary of carnival rides. Those carnivals look like fun
but I've only been to one in Charlotte and I found the "clientele" to be
a bit dodgy, not the "family/enthusiast" type you can find at Carowinds.
I just can't seem to bring myself to feel comfortable on those portable thrill rides.
Are there safety standards for carnival rides?

Coastermom, you sound just like a true mom. In fact, when I was a kid, my mother would cringe when I told her I was going to the local carnival.

Sure, these setups aren't for everyone but they are inspected and tested before they are given a permit to operate.

Most of these operators also attend larger fairs too. James H. Drew has a huge outfit of rides and sponser some of the larger fairs in NC & SC. They also have a near perfect safety record and set up small ride lots shopping centers.

I agree, these portable rides can appear unsafe. And sometimes, that toothless, unshaven ride operator screaming Black Sabbath music over the loudspeakers can be unsettling to many but it's still a part of Americana.

[Crystal]

I love the Tempest. I havent ridden it since I was little - I didnt know there were anymore around! I will def. be going.