Browns Amusement Carnival Returns To Logandale

By CRAIG HIGGINS

The Progress

After a two-year hiatus, the thrill-seekers out there are greatly anticipating the return of the carnival midway at the Clark County Fair. The 2022 rendition of Moapa Valley’s signature economic and cultural event will once again feature world-class thrill rides and concession stands courtesy of Brown Amusements, of Mesa, Arizona.

Established in the late 1970s as a fair-food concern, Brown’s is a far cry from the sordid operations that once gave carnivals a bad name. The company carries an excellent reputation, fielding top-flight rides serviced by vetted and well-trained staff.

Reached by phone, co-owner and operator Danny Brown spoke about his group’s excitement at returning to the Valley. “We missed it (the fair) for a couple of years,” Brown said. Now that Clark County and other fairs are opening up post-COVID, Brown suggested he and his team are, “back to what we’re supposed to be doing.”

The carnival entertains fair-goers along a circuit encompassing most of the Rocky Mountain states, including Nevada, Idaho, and Colorado, performing all the way from the Spring through June. Both second-generation concessions people, Danny and wife Sherry used the long pandemic layoff to retool their operation.

“We were probably like every other company in America,” Danny said. “We tried to take advantage of the down time and did a lot of painting (on the rides) and preparations” in order to hit the ground running for this year’s busy schedule.

Asked about setting up shop in Clark County, the carnival operator discussed the logistical challenges of getting his operation from an event in Arizona up to Logandale.
“We tear down (in Mesa) Sunday and leave Monday,” Danny said. “A gentleman in Logandale helps me set up by Wednesday the first day of the fair.”

The attractions operator promises new and more daring rides this year. He specifically highlighted something called The Orbiter, which is a swirling octopus-like contraption with cars rotating on each of its tentacles. Kiddie rides and games will also line the colorful midway, shot through with kaleidoscopic hues when the lights go on in the evening.

Brown’s will also feature its usual assortment of fair food delectables, including: deep-fried dough elephant ears and funnel cakes; delicious foot-long corn dogs; meaty jumbo burgers; oversized turkey legs and more. Given the variety of options available, most fair-goers will find it impossible to sate their hunger for new culinary thrills in a single afternoon.

The carnival is a grand American tradition dating back more than a century. Fortunately for Clark County and other Western state fairs, Brown’s honors this tradition with its commitment to providing the kind of experience Valley residents have come to expect every Spring.