July 2010 - Amusement Today

KISSELContinued from page 35Association during the late1980s and early 1990s.And, now Russ and TammyKissel have their childrenon the midway when theyaren’t in school. They havethree daughters, Savannah, 17;Paris, 15; and Madison, 13.“We used to have a schoolon the road and they traveledwith us everywhere,” he said.“But, as they got older, theywanted to do the other thingstheir friends did. So, they stayat home (in Clanton, Ala.) duringthe school year, but theyare on the road with us everysummer.”Kissel admits the carnivalindustry isn’t an easy life, so“you have to love it to do it.”In mid-June, Kissel said his2010 season was going great.He has run into some weather-related problems, but has beenable to turn those around. Hefeels as long as the weatherholds, so will the business.He has 30 rides, 25 gamesand an array of food concessions.He does about 42 eventsannually. The week of June 7,he found a little down timeand decided to do three churchevents before hitting the roadagain.For the 2010 season, Kisselpurchased a Zamperla safarikiddie ride, but didn’t makeany major purchases. He spentthe winter completely refurbishingan Allan Herschellcarousel.“When I bought that ride,it was two abreast and had theold style theming,” he said.“We put the twisted brass onthe holdings, built a new ceiling,had new scenery paintedon the ceiling and on the outside,sandblasted and paintedthe entire ride and added anoutside row of horses.”Kissel had to purchase 10original Herschel horses tocreate the outside row.“We also added LEDlights to it through ShowmanSupply,” he said. “It ended upcosting quite a bit, but it looksgreat.”Kissel also refurbished hisVenture Scat. For the 2009 season,he refurbished his ChanceAstro Wheel.“We bought the AstroWheel a number of years agofrom Amusements of Buffalo,”he said. “It is an older ride, butit is quite a piece now. As faras I know, there are only aboutthree of these operating in thecountry.”Kissel said he has neverconsidered leaving the carnivalindustry. There were times,however, he thought aboutpursuing something otherChance Astro Wheel.than being a carnival owner.“But, it always had somethingto do with the carnivalindustry,” he said. “At onetime I thought I wanted to designrides.”July 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37AT PHOTOS/SUE NICHOLSRuss Kissel, Kissel Entertainment, and his crew have refurbishedthree rides during the past two years. For thisseason, he refurbished his Allan Herschell carousel andhis Venture Scat. For the 2009 season, he refurbished hisHe likes where he is now,though, and he and his wifeare bringing along their fourthgeneration in Kissel Entertainment.