Smokey's Greater Shows is a traveling carnival midway company based in Fryeburg, Maine, United States. It provides amusement rides, games and concessions for local, county and state fairs throughout Maine.[1] It appeared at the Fryeburg Fair for over forty years, before its partnership ended in 2022.[2]
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 Smokey's Greater Shows at the 2023 Yarmouth Clam Festival | |
| Company type | Privately held company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Amusement rides |
| Founded | 1950s |
| Headquarters | Fryeburg, Maine, U.S. |
Key people | Bud Gilmore (former owner) Jeanette Gilmore (current owner) Robby Driskill (manager) |
| Products | Amusement ride and traveling carnival management |
| Website | https://smokeysgreatershows.com/ |
Many of its attractions are unique, including its Giant Gondola Wheel and Sky Diver.[3]
The company was founded in Strong, Maine, by Vermont native Roland Gilmore, who was known for his ability to procure free cigarettes out of vending machines.[4] Gilmore's son, George (Bud), took over the business in 1970, after Smokey's death (at which point he realized his father had changed his name from Ronald).[3] George died in 2013, aged 70, at which point his widow, Jeanette, took the reins.[4]
Until the early 21st century, Smokey's Greater Shows served the five northeastern states, but rising fuel costs forced it to reduce its coverage to Maine only.[4]
In 2015, the fire marshal of Waterville, Maine, charged Smokey's over two incidents at the Head of Falls in which three children and an adult were injured.[5][6]
In 2022, Smokey's signed a multi-year contract with Union Fair, in Union, Maine.[7]
References edit
- ^ Zarrilli, Katie (2018-10-22). "General manager of Smokey's Greater Shows tells his side of fair date controversy". WAGM TV. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
- ^ "New rides delight, Fryeburg Fair numbers up | The Bridgton News". 2022-10-14. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
- ^ a b www.mwdwebdesign.com, Matt's Web Design-. "Smokey's Greater Shows (Fryeburg, ME)". Smokey's Greater Shows. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
- ^ a b c Coffin, Jaed (2017-08-31). "A Trump-Loving Impresaria, Her Immigrant Workers, and the Future of a Maine Institution". Down East Magazine. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
- ^ Staff Report (2015-07-06). "Fire marshal charges Smokey's Greater Shows over Waterville carnival accidents". Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
- ^ Sentinel, Doug HarlowMorning (2015-07-12). "Skowhegan fair goes on with Smokey's Greater Shows". Press Herald. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
- ^ "Union Fair signs multi year contract with Smokey's Greater Shows". PenBay Pilot. Retrieved 2023-07-27.