By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
Carnival life has been a family affair for Brown’s Amusements owner Danny Brown.
When asked why he has traversed county fairs for decades, the man’s answer was succinct and logical. “If it was good enough for my parents, it’s good enough for me,” Brown told the Progress last week before heading to Logandale, where his carnival crew hunkers down April 10-14 for the annual Clark County Fair & Rodeo.
Brown’s Amusements – which Brown and and his partner Sherry established 28 years ago – was slated to roll into town Monday to see the lay of the land before setting up at 1301 W. Whipple Ave.
“I was sort of born into this,” he said. “I like what I do – but I’ll tell you, it’s a lot of work.”
Indeed, Brown and his 80 employees carry their own electrical items, transportation, and so forth. “It’s like moving a small city,” he explained. “Our business is no different than mainstream America; it’s tough to survive, due to fuel, food, and labor costs.”
What’s more, he said, there are aspects of the job that most people don’t notice.
People who have noticed are members of the Outdoor Amusement Business Assoc. (OABA), who granted the Circle of Excellence award to the Browns three times: in 2007, 2010, and 2015. The honor acknowledges those who excel in service, safety, operations, and administrative duties. Each amusement company is rated with scores for the likes of rides, bunk housing, signage, and additional factors.
Because the Browns own all their rides, games, and food stands, “We can control the quality and merchandise,” Brown said.
He attributed much of the success to his employees, who work via the H-2B program which – according to the U.S Dept. of Labor – allows American business owners “to temporarily hire non-immigrants to perform non-agricultural labor or services.”
Brown asserted that many of his crew have worked with him for a decade or two, 10 months at a time, before returning home for a visit.
“They’re awesome guys who just want to work and make some money,” he said. “I’m proud of them.”
Brown’s Amusements – which calls Mesa, Arizona, its base – ventures to a half-dozen states: Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho, and Colorado.
When in Logandale, the Browns enjoy visiting friends Randy and Joanne Watson, with whom they have worked a dozen years. “It’s their hometown fair,” he said of the couple.
The five-day Clark County spectacle has become one of Brown’s Amusements go-to events as well.
“We enjoy what we do and look forward to it,” Brown said. “Logandale has a very good fair and has awesome people who run it.”
