The 2026 edition of the IISF Gibtown Trade Show & Extravaganza wrapped up on Friday, February 13, and was well received by both attendees and exhibitors.

Trade show secretary Teresa Rimes said, “We had a fabulous show,” noting that the event set records for both attendance and revenue generated for the club. “Our museum fundraiser on Wednesday was the best we've ever had,” she added.

Rimes reported that while 2025 was a strong year, 2026 surpassed it with a record number of exhibitors and outdoor displays. “Wednesday was our highest-attended day, but we had steady attendance every day,” she said.

She expressed appreciation to Amusement Devices & Manufacturing (ADM) and owner Brian Woodke for contributing to the show's fundraising success. Woodke donated one of his Whizzer rides, a self-propelled attraction, to be raffled as part of the fundraiser. His generosity raised more than $14,000, which will be applied to trade show operating expenses, including general and grounds maintenance. According to Rimes, ADM is considering another donation next year for the same purpose.

Amusement Devices & Manufacturing (ADM)

Company owner Brian Woodke described the show as fabulous and said he was pleased with attendance and the club's efforts to attract additional vendors. ADM showcased a wide range of attractions, from mechanical rides to food and game trailers.

During the show, Woodke closed several deals, including the sale of a Firestorm to TDK Amusements; a Pirates Revenge to CNN Southern Midways; another Firestorm to Orlando Fun Crew; a Superfly to Tommy Hurst's TC Amusements; and a fun house to Troy Kissel. The company also reported multiple game and concession sales, including an ICEE trailer to Sunshine Amusements, owned by Ed and Ashley Noerper. The trailer was purchased by their son and daughter as their first investment in the family business.

Kizarny Trailers

Kizarny Trailers, which has previously exhibited LED video screens at the show, returned this year to display its line of bunkhouse trailers.

“We try to build the best of the best, top-notch trailers,” said Rich Forte of Kizarny Trailers. “We use all steel, half-inch I-beam frames, high-quality walls, and a solid fiberglass roof that will not leak or mold. You cannot get a better bunkhouse.”

Forte has been building bunkhouses for the past four years and currently has approximately six on the road. Earlier designs were constructed from aluminum but were redesigned using materials that perform better under road conditions. While he offers several standard bunkhouse models, Forte also custom designs projects. “If you can dream it, I can put it on wheels for you,” he said.

Kolmax-Plus

European ride manufacturer Kolmax-Plus, based in the Czech Republic, returned to the show this year, displaying a Flying Elephant, Tea Cups, Honey Meadow, and a Casino-themed Spinner that is being delivered to Powers Great American Midways.

“As always, the atmosphere was fantastic and highly inspiring. During the show, we secured several new orders, and I am confident that more will follow even after the exhibition. We also established many new business contacts and were especially pleased to see increased interest from Canadian companies this year,” said Irena Zvarova.

Kolmax reported several sales during the show, including a Honey Meadow ride to Rainbow Amusement, which returned after purchasing a Tea Cups ride last year. “We truly value their continued trust in our company, and it is a pleasure to see our partnership growing year after year,” Zvarova said.

Additional Honey Meadow rides were sold to Houghton Enterprises and PBJ Happee Day Shows, along with one to an undisclosed buyer.

Two new orders were placed for the popular FUP Flying Elephants: one for Beauce Carnaval in Canada and another for Alpine Amusements of Illinois. The Alpine unit is scheduled to be displayed at the 2027 Gibtown Trade Show.

The Spinner also remained popular, with two orders placed by Blue Sky Amusements of New York and Mitchell Amusements.

Prior to the show, Powers & Thomas Midway Entertainment placed an order for a new bumper car building, which will be delivered for the 2027 trade show.

Although still in development, the initial concept for Kolmax's new Crazy Sombrero was well received. “Clients particularly appreciated its simple construction and practical design,” said Zvarova.

“Gibtown 2026 was a highly successful show for us,” she added.

Uni-Glide Trailer Company

Doug Dills' Uni-Glide Trailer Company showcased its new pizza trailer at the show. “We had great weather and a good turnout,” Dills said. “We thought about not exhibiting this year, but if you want to stay in the business, you need to be in Gibtown.”

Dills compared exhibiting at the show to shopping online. “It is hard to buy clothing on Amazon when you cannot see or touch it,” he said.

Uni-Glide reported several new sales, including a 24-foot Chicken and French Fry trailer for Matt McDonagh's Big Rock Amusements; a 22-foot Funnel Cake trailer for NAME; and a 14-foot Lemonade trailer for Heather O'Keefe's Shamrock Shows. NAME will also take delivery of 20 planter benches to supplement its existing inventory.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Overall, attendees were positive and pleased to see the trade show grounds filled with equipment that could be viewed firsthand. The 2027 Trade Show is scheduled for February 9 through 12, concluding prior to Super Bowl Sunday and Presidents Day for the first time in many years.

Gibtown 2026 Sales Summary

Below is a summary of reported sales to CarnivalWarehouse.com at the 2026 Gibtown Show. Not all manufacturers disclose purchases, as some leave announcements to buyers, and not all manufacturers were interviewed. Additional purchases will be added as they are announced.

Organized by ride manufacturer: