My Night as a 'Carny'

When Operation Shoebox issued a call for volunteer help to staff one of the games at the Rotary Fair, I jumped at the offer.

I figured I'd be at the fair for much of the opening night anyway, so maybe I could help out a little—plus, I could try my hand at being a midway barker, a carny (although to be honest, all I really know about being a carny I read on Wikipedia).

The day didn't start out very favorably for the fair, and I was convinced the night would be called off—but despite the heavy rain in the morning, the Hillsborough Rotary Fair enjoyed a strong opening. The temperatures were mild and the sky sunny as things got underway.

I joined seven Operation Shoebox volunteers at the trailer, handling several games: a basketball shoot and two throwing games. After learning the basics of the game, we waited for our prey to enter the midway.

I decided my best skill might be in luring people in to try the games, so I stood outside the game and tried to get people interested in trying them—it's not so easy!

As the crowds grew, I tried to sharpen my eye for those who looked most likely to try the game. Like a good carny, I focused on young fathers with kids in tow not already clutching a prize or guys with dates to impress. 

"Two tries for a dollar," I cried, "Win a prize."

Their suspicious eyes sensed a trick to the games—there's no trick I assured them, just knock five little cans off a platform and win a prize. Easy enough, right?

It was a couple of hours before we had out first winner... then the lines grew.

One group of men spent a good half hour—and probably more than $30—trying to win one of the big prizes, but had to walk away with only a small, blue stuffed dolphin. Our carny magic had 'em hooked.

The night got later, the "marks" changed. Instead of young families, teens moved in and took over the midway. Their practiced "coolness" made them harder targets; I changed tactics.

"Two tries—one dollar. Who's going to win?," I yelled as they passed by. They ignored me like a substitute teacher.

"Two tries—one dollar. Win a prize."

We'd see the same kids making laps around the midway. I'd try to get them on the second lap.

"Two tries—one dollar."

One girl looked at me and said, "I don't have any money." My poor training from Wikipedia failed me—no money? I thought back to all those bad carnival movies I'd seen, imagining Joan Crawford in "Berserk" or Elvis in "Roustabout." What does a good carny say to that?

I turned around and yelled, "Two tries—one dollar."

More volunteers are welcome for the weekend for anyone interested in having some fun and helping out—contact Rod Hirsch at opshbxnj@yahoo.com 

The fair continues from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, with the special bracelet night pricing for rides.