THE CARNY

Every year around July 4, the carny came to town. Now the ferris wheel may not have been as large as the one pictured, but it was to me. There may have been no more than three rows of carnival barkers and maybe ten rides, but it seemed like so much more.

The Rocko-Plane was the best ride. You had some control. Oh sure even in the Tilt-A-Whirl you had some control, but the Rocko-Plane allowed full astronaut-like manuevering. Lots of little bellies filled with Malone's taffy, corn dogs, and cotton candy got good and sick after, or in some cases, during the ride.

I loved it when you got a nice carny worker who allowed you to ride longer. Maybe he was eating or smoking or talking, but you knew when you got those extra precious seconds that were so important.

When you spent your last quarter on a syrupy sno-cone, or one last chance to knock down those pins with a softball to win a bear for your girl or mom, you could still head to the skating rink and watch the others skate. Or you could walk around the miniature zoo complete with one old tired looking kinda mangy lion. Or you could walk around the park lake. Or you could walk around the old bandstand, but some hoody looking guys were always there, so you had to be careful. There were also free big slides and a shell for musicians, kind of a half-dome. There were a couple of swimming pools, though one was not much more than a wading pool. There was a baseball field complete with wooden stands that rose forty rows or so with partial overhead covering.

Of course, the highlight was the fireworks shot from the park lake. We thought they were great though they probably paled in comparison. A low lit display of the American flag always ended the Fourth of July. And, you know, it's funny. I never remember it raining then.

Man, that park was cool. We played football and tennis and basketball there, too. All without adults watching. They don't make parks like that anymore.