Strates Shows

12/17/2024

We are proud to introduce Marigold Strates Magid, born December 3rd to proud parents, Charles (Chuck) & Caitlyn Magid. Pictured are the Magids with proud Grandmother Susan Strates Magid and Great-Grandparents Phyllis and E. James Strates. Welcome to the family Marigold!

12/11/2024

Zoe Strates, daughter of 3rd generation carnival owner Jay Strates, learns the tradition of carnival painting from one of America’s last great show artists. Over the past week, she has been assisting the legendary Jack McKissock in the full restoration of the iconic Office Trailer murals. With over 30 years of experience painting unique murals and ride panels for Strates Shows, McKissock has become a cornerstone of the Show's artistic legacy. Now semi-retired, he is currently serving as the “artist in residence” at Strates Shows Winter Quarters in Taft, Florida. Strates Shows’ tradition of showcasing its history through striking murals began in the 1980s with the work of William “Bill” Browning. Over the past several decades, McKissock has exclusively restored and updated these "midway masterpieces," ensuring their enduring beauty for generations to come.

12/02/2024

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🎟️🎄 Give the gift of FUN this holiday season!
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St. Lucie County Fair tickets make the PERFECT stocking stuffer for family and friends - and THEY GO ON SALE STARTING TODAY! 🎅✨
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Grab your PRESALE TICKETS to SAVE BIG and skip the lines at the gate! 🐄🎢 Whether it’s thrilling rides, tasty fair food, or fun events, you’ll be giving memories that last a lifetime! 🌟
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🎫 Buy now and check holiday shopping off your list—your future self will thank you! 🛍️
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Who’s excited for fair season? Comment "PRESALE" to PRE-ORDER your St. Lucie County Fair 2025 tickets & SAVE! 💸🎉

11/29/2024

It’s the BIGGEST Savings Deal Of The Fair! NOW until Monday, purchase a 2025 Manatee County Fair COMBO PACK that includes (1) ONE Gate Admission & (1) ONE Unlimited Ride Band for ONLY $25! It’s a $10 savings! Limited Quantities. While Supplies Last. Sale Ends Monday! BUY ONLINE TODAY: https://www.manateecountyfair.com/p/tickets--deals

Manatee County Fair, January 16-26, 2025 - Palmetto, Florida

11/29/2024

From our entire family to yours… A Happy Thanksgiving from Mr. & Mrs. E. James Strates. Thanksgiving Day Family Gathering 2024.

11/28/2024

As we gather to reflect on our blessings this season, we are reminded of how grateful we are for you. Our Fairs, Fairgoers, and Team Members are at the heart of our success, and your continued support means the world to us. From our family to yours, the Strates Family wishes you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving!

11/24/2024

We’re thrilled to see the “mini-midway” come to life inside The Erie County Fair’s Events Center this weekend! Queen City Amusement Company has set up an impressive display for the WESTERN NEW YORK RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY’s WNYRHS Train and Toy Show.

11/21/2024

Celebrate the 1960s with Micro-Trains Line Company! We're thrilled to present the iconic Strates Shows Train in "N-scale!" Collaborating closely with the talented Micro-Train designers and drawing from hundreds of archival images, Micro-Trains has meticulously recreated the "Duke Ash Era" paint scheme and decorations, capturing the vibrant look of the Strates Shows train from 1962 to 1965. This initial release totals five cars; available in either a 2 or 3 pack set:

3-Pack ($89.95) Includes: #2 Syracuse, #3 Raleigh & #6 Clearfield.
2-Pack ($59.95) Includes: #5 Hamburg & #12 Diner

This opportunity is being sold directly through Micro-Trains. Visit https://www.micro-trains.com for ordering information or download the November Micro-Trains catalog at:https://www.micro-trains.com/publicfiles/monthly/MN2411.pdf
Pre-Order Until November 30th.

Between 1961 and 1970, renowned carnival and circus artist William Verne “Duke” Ash revolutionized the branding of the James E. Strates Shows. His vivid creations, including elaborately painted show wagons, train cars, banners, show fronts, logos, and advertisements, became iconic symbols of the era. By the time of his passing in 1990, Ash was celebrated as “one of the last of a small, creative fraternity” within the carnival industry.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1915, Ash had an early connection to entertainment through his mother, who performed in Canadian vaudeville. He began painting show scenery while also performing as a "straight man" in a comedy act. Ash married fellow performer Doreen McDonald Ash, who passed away in 1970, and together they toured carnival circuits across Canada with their two children. In 1961, Ash became a permanent U.S. resident, joining the Strates Shows in Orlando, Florida.

During the season, Ash traveled in a mobile home he transformed from a 1950s Ford Railway Express delivery truck. True to his artistic spirit, he adorned the vehicle with vibrant jungle scenes featuring Emerald Tree Boa Constrictors and Royal Bengal Tigers in his signature “hot-colored” style.

"There was nobody like Duke Ash," recalled Benjamin Braunstein, longtime spokesman for Strates Shows. "He was a marvelous worker and a marvelous friend. His murals were extraordinary. While most modern shows relied on commercial sign painters, Ash stood out as one of the last true carnival artists, blending artistic craftsmanship with old-fashioned lettering."

Ash passed away on April 10, 1990 at age 75 in Clearwater, Florida.

What is N-scale? At 1:160, it is one of the smallest scales in the world of model trains. It is roughly half the size of HO scale.

11/20/2024

Strates Shows recently celebrated a remarkable milestone at the 2024 North Florida Fair in Tallahassee, Florida, achieving a record-breaking year for midway ridership. Total gross revenues increased by 5% compared to the previous record set in 2023. Over the course of the 11-day event, five all-time daily gross records were shattered. Saturday, November 16th, marked the single largest grossing day in Strates Shows’ 17-year partnership as the exclusive midway provider for the North Florida Fair, with a 19% increase over the previous daily record set in 2022. A heartfelt thank you to the North Florida Fair team and the incredible fairgoers of Florida’s Big Bend region for sharing unforgettable moments with us. We look forward to creating more memories together in 2025!

11/18/2024

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11/15/2024

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11/14/2024

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Enjoy thrilling rides, classic carnival foods and much more at the 82nd annual North Florida Fair in Tallahassee from Nov. 7 to Nov. 17, 2024.

11/13/2024

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11/12/2024

11/11/2024

Duty. Honor. Country. On Veteran’s Day we honor all who have served our Nation in times of peace & times of war. Thank you for your commitment & service.

11/08/2024

Strates Shows' Wave Sw***er is an intricately adorned giant swing that lifts riders high above the bustling carnival crowd. Seated in one of its many suspended basket seats, guests feel the thrill as the ride begins to rise and rotate clockwise. At its peak height, the ride tilts, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience! In 2024, thanks to the talents of Stevie Ianni Jr., the ride debuted a dazzling LED illumination display! Ride the Wave Sw***er at the 2024 North Florida Fair until Sunday, November 17th. ***er

11/07/2024

Opening Day at the North Florida Fair!
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