State fair debuts new carnie

Mark Campos' background is a bit different from that of most carnival workers.

Campos, of Austin, Texas, has three degrees, has been in 42 different countries and worked in 47 different states. At one time he was making computer chips for a company in Austin until he was laid off.

He answered a help-wanted ad looking for a truck driver. Three years later, Campos is working for The Mighty Thomas Carnival until he can save enough money to open his own restaurant.

"It's a blast," he smiled. "The smiles on the children's faces makes it well worth it."

The Mighty Thomas Carnival, which has been in business since 1928, is making its debut in Utah at the Utah State Fair. Many are finding it better than the previous carnival that was at the fair.

"We have been on two rides and they were both awesome," said fairgoer Katie Stewart.

Games are what Cara Hamilton loves most about the fair. She has been working them for 13 years, traveling with different carnivals.

For the past year, Hamilton, from Nashville, Tenn., took time off in Salt Lake City. She has now, however, decided she is ready to pack her bags again and head out with the carnival.

"I really like the people you get to meet," she said. "They want to know where you're from and it's enjoyable."

The only downside to the job is that it's not year-round. There are a few months without work, but it's not a big deal, Hamilton said.

Oftentimes carnival workers will travel with their families to avoid a long separation.

John Hanschen, of Austin, used to take his family with him all summer until school started. His children grew up in the business and have worked at the carnival every summer.

Hanschen is now a co-owner with Tom Adkins of the carnival. Both of them married daughters of Bernard Thomas, the nephew of Art B. Thomas, who started the carnival in 1928.

Both have worked in the carnival business for more than 30 years and have held prominent leadership positions within their trade organizations. Hanschen is due to become president of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association.

Campos, along with about 150 other people, spends his life on the road from February until November each year. They live in trailers and bunkhouses.