Game On, Girlfriend

[landshark]

Half way down the Midway, there is a game booth of throwing darts into an apple target where a ‘winner gets a prize of choice every time”. Though there is nothing unusual in seeing this type of game booth … it was the operator that drew my attention.

I first saw her a few days ago but due to time and other constraints, I was unable to inquire further. Yesterday, I had the chance.

At this booth works two women, sisters, each of whom is well into their 80’s age-wise. Their hair is white, curly, and they have the most sparkling blue eyes you can imagine. Given how much they stood out age-wise from their peers, I just had to find out more.

Shouldn’t they be in rocking chairs quilting something? Why would these two women be sweating and suffering in the blazing afternoon Midway sun; every day, all day?

According to them, they have been in the carnie business their whole life. “Our father had a show. Our husbands had a show. We have done this since we were born.”

They went on to tell me how they raised families and sent their children through college from their life as carnies. Not affiliated with Strates Shows, but instead independents, these two fine specimens owned their own truck and traveled the show circuit.

I inquired why their college educated children don’t support them and got a laugh and a good guffaw in response. They truly love their work and would not have made a different choice in their lives.

This year, they tell me, is their last. With the price of gas and other expenses, they just cannot afford to work anymore. They do not make money like they used to; rent and other costs have gone up significantly over the past few years leaving them with less and less disposable income. They also said they were tired; but that is no excuse. In this nation, we work til we die.

Most interestingly they also noted that while the 2005 New York State Fair has had excellent crowds this year, nobody is spending any money.

So, if anybody out there wants to build a life as a carnie, raise children, and spend your life moving from Fair to Fair, then I know of a game booth for sale.
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I dont want a life I can live with. I want a life I can't live without.