Amusement Park News

  AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (25 SEPT. 2024) – Winners of the IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards were announced today during the Leadership Breakfast at IAAPA Expo Europe. The IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards carry forward a tradition dating back to the 1800s when carousel riders aimed to grab a rare brass ring on the ride, with the ring symbolizing a special prize and often another free ride. This tradition has evolved into one of the industry's most prestigious honors, celebrating excellence in exhibit presentations.The IAAPA Brass Ring Best Exhibit Awards continues this pastime by rewarding companies with the best booth presentations in three size categories on the show floor. Exhibitors are scored on their booth design, branding, staffing, and overall appeal. Winning an IAAPA Brass Ring Awards is considered one of the industry's most prestigious honors.This year, IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 introduced the new Image Award, which honors the most outstanding booth at the entire ...   [read more]

  With grieving hearts, Gold Medal Products Co. announces the sudden passing of our esteemed former president, CEO and chairman, Dan Kroeger. On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, he passed away at the age of 72. Our sincere condolences go out to the Kroeger family and friends at this time of devastating loss.Dan was truly a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to excellence. He got his start at Gold Medal by answering a newspaper ad for a sales position at Gold Medal in 1979. When he told his wife, Janet, that he was in the popcorn business, she was skeptical and asked how he could support a young family that way. Yet, Dan went on to build a highly successful 40-year career, culminating in his position as the president and CEO. Under his leadership, overall company sales grew a striking seven times over, marking some of the largest periods of growth for Gold Medal. However, Dan's greatest impact went beyond sales. His gift was in his relationships with others. He was known throughout ...   [read more]

  Today, we are introducing our exciting new Podcast feature, Amusement Warehouse Podcast. In the podcast, we will interview fair managers, carnival owners, park owners, entertainers and concessionaires. Each episode lasts about an hour, and we get into the business of the interviewee's various pursuits. In our first Podcast, we interview Phil Vivona of Amusements of America, the last surviving Vivona brother, one of the founders of the iconic company. Phil shares stories about the company's history and insight into how five brothers were able to work together and grow one of the most most recognizable carnival companies in the industry without breaking apart. Phil was very generous with his time, and as one of the oldest showmen still involved in the industry, he has a lot to share. From their start at the World's Fair in 1939 in NY through ventures into the US south and Canada, the Amusements of America story is truly a fascinating one. In the coming weeks, we will also feature ...   [read more]