Category Archives: Behind the Scenes 2009

Sharole started with Conklin Shows in the early 1940s working in game concessions and later operated food. Sharole travelled on the Conklin Shows train in Western Canada to B and C circuit fairs and at the conclusion of the western … Continue reading →

At the conclusion of the Canadian National Exhibition, we at North American Midway pack up our chattels and make our way for the US border to Fairs in Lewiston, New York and Springfield, Mass. Alas, the end of our Canadian … Continue reading →

North American Midway (formerly Conklin Shows) rewards their employees daily for excellence in customer service, appearance and attitude. These employees that are chosen by senior management are rewarded with cash, a letter of congratulations and a pin. At the conclusion … Continue reading →

In 1986 we did a promotion with Becker’s Food Stores. If you purchased any product you received a coupon for any Conklin Shows ride at the Canadian National Exhibition. The deal was “Buy one ride, get the second ride free.” … Continue reading →

I am asked what it feels like to fly a Spitfire by pilots and non-pilots at every air show. This WW2 aircraft is of great value to the community, now serving as an important flying memorial, allowing millions of people … Continue reading →

The big day has come and gone, and what a big day it was.  Once again, the CNE staff pulled off a difficult event and made it look relatively easy.  For me personally, it was very big deal to get … Continue reading →

During my early years with the carnival and Conklin Shows, they had me drive a truck and trailer between locations. I made my first trip from Edmonton Klondike Days to Regina Buffalo Days in 1977. I thought I was helping … Continue reading →

The CNE has a lot to boast about: an incredible midway and a great lineup of concerts and shows. There is another thing the CNE can brag about, something that goes unnoticed by many, and that is a commitment to … Continue reading →

Records and Archives recently received a grant of $4,265 from the Heritage Policy Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Audio-Visual Preservation Trust of Canada, for the digitization of 28,200 feet of 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audio tapes of Grandstand … Continue reading →

I remember back in February I was performing at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer. There was a horrendous snowstorm that night and it made driving a real pain and took forever. My colleague, master hypnotist, Craig Tutton, turned to … Continue reading →