A question has come up several times since SwineFest started four years ago. Has a traveling carnival ever been to Guyandotte before SwineFest? I do not remember any as I grew up in Guyandotte, folks older than me don't recall any and research does not show any. So, I say reluctantly, I really don't know. However, I do know that the roots of a traveling carnival are similar to the 19th century circus with both being set up in open fields near or in town and moving to a different location after a few days.

The 1893 World's Fair in Chicago was the catalyst for the establishment of traveling carnivals. There was an area at the World's Fair that featured rides, games of chance and burlesque. The World's Fair also featured for the first time the Ferris Wheel that was created by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. After the World's Fair, traveling carnivals began.

There are many aspects to a traveling carnival, including rides, games and general merchandising. To young and old alike, the most exciting part of a traveling carnival are the rides. The carnival rides are painted in vibrant colors and bright colored lights are used to enhance the appearance of the rides at night. The rides are designed to appeal to the riders senses by using height, speed and G-force or centrifugal force.

Appearing at SwineFest 2010 will be Gambill Amusements. Gambill Amusements began in 1941 when Quinn, Ken and Lola Gambill invested in a pony ride in Wintersville, Ohio. They took their pony rides to local fairs and festivals, and before they knew it, mechanical rides were added and their extra job became a full blown business. Gambill Amusements is now run by the third and fourth generations of the Gambill family and are regarded as one of the topnotch carnivals that travel through the state of West Virginia.

The schedule for Gambill Amusements for SwineFest 2010 will be 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9; 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10; and on Saturday, Sept. 11, there will be two shows. They will be open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., close an hour for supper and re-open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Adding to the excitement of Gambill Amusements being on the midway at SwineFest 2010 "A Hillbilly Homecoming" will be three themed contests that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 11. A husband hollerin' contest, a hog calling contest and a corn on the cob eating contest will be sponsored by WTCR and will be emceed by WTCR'S Judy Eaton. All of the contests will have some very different rules and will be lots of fun for everyone. The entry fee for each contest will be $5 and the money raised will be used for purchasing hams for needy families during the Easter holiday. Drop me an e-mail if you would like to pre-register for any of the contest or you can just register the day of the contest.

It won't be long at all before SwineFest 2010 brings excitement to the community of Guyandotte. I have to say it again, it would tickle me pink to see to the streets of Guyandotte filled with people dressed in bib overalls, straw hats, or any ol' type of hillbilly attire. SwineFest 2010 "A Hillbilly Homecoming" will run Sept. 9 to 11. See Ya There!

Rick Simmons is a Guyandotte resident and can be reached at afriend46143@gmail.com.

National Video