[Dick Monahan]

... was a popular carnival attraction in the 50s. I saw it a number of times, but the riders were always on old Indian bikes, not in midgets. And, I don't remember any dogs. :-)

[TQ29m]

Originally Posted by Dick Monahan ... was a popular carnival attraction in the 50s. I saw it a number of times, but the riders were always on old Indian bikes, not in midgets. And, I don't remember any dogs. :-)

I had just assumed it was something I had imagined, but I do remember standing at the top, watching them go around, and around, the whole thing would sway as the weight moved around, I kinda think it mighta been a bit earlier tho, when I witnessed it, and it woulda had to have been at the Bartholemew cty fairgrounds, where Fair Oaks Mall is now, in Columbus, In. Dave, Danny, Butch, anyone else see it? Bob

while stationed in the UK back in the early 80's I saw this a couple of times, both in England and in Germany plus also saw a sphere like deal where it was mesh type material and the riders rode around inside sometimes completely upside down. was pretty neat. I think it died here when they started making small-large amusment parks and family parks.
there are still a couple places/ways to catch the fun in the USA.....

http://www.americanwallofdeath.com/

http://www.californiahellriders.com/

[Charles Nungester]

the wall of death is often at Sturgis Bike week

[jim goerge]

Charles you are right. Couple years ago six of my buddies and I rode to Sturgis and one of the first things we headed for was the wall of death. It was there but the rider was missing turns out he had been picked up for DUI.

[Xflagman]

I saw it more than once.
Xflagman Victor Dean Xflagman Umra

[Dick Monahan]

My son (who obviously has better eyesight) informs me that's "a frickin' lion" in the midget, not a dog.

[Panama]

If I'm handin' out singles, there's gonna be a brass pole nearby!

[TQ29m]

Originally Posted by TQ29m I had just assumed it was something I had imagined, but I do remember standing at the top, watching them go around, and around, the whole thing would sway as the weight moved around, I kinda think it mighta been a bit earlier tho, when I witnessed it, and it woulda had to have been at the Bartholemew cty fairgrounds, where Fair Oaks Mall is now, in Columbus, In. Dave, Danny, Butch, anyone else see it? Bob

It's not uncommon, the uncommon part was the midget in the barrel, and the lion in the act as well, now they do it in a steel mesh ball. I think the one at Columbus, woulda been about where KMart is right now! Bob:2:

[apexonephoto]

It's a lion, or a breed of dog I'm not familiar with. Also don't bother searching for "lion midget car carnival" with safe search turned off in Google images!