The International Independent Showmen's Association is the trade association for the carnival industry. Every year, in February (at the same time as the Florida State Fair), they hold their annual convention and trade show at their headquarters in Gibsonton. When we were first going to Tampa for the sprint races (early 70s), we always made a trip over there. At first it was free to attend the trade show, then it went up to $4. Now, I see it is $50. (
http://www.gibtownshowmensclub.com/)
It was a crazy show. Inside the building, there were people selling "slum jewelry". Gen-you-ine gold chains sold for $4 per gross. Outside, there would be someone selling a used Tilt-a-Whirl for a quarter million dollars. All the rides were set up and operating. Our kids loved the place. They remember playing the first ever Whack-a-Mole, they year the game was introduced.
One year, Dick Gallagher and I were intrigued by an outfit that was selling battery operated bumper cars. Since they didn't need an outside source of power, they could be set up anywhere. Each comprised a cylindrical frame, surrounded by a tractor tire inner tube. It was powered by an electric motor, driving the two back wheels through two cone clutches from some sort of lawn mower. The single front wheel was a caster. You controlled it with two handles that operated the cone clutches, so you could go in any direction, and spin like a top. Fortunately for us, the outfit went out of business before we gave them any money. :-)
Even at $50, it might be a good deal. I thought it was the best take in Florida.
