GRAND ISLAND – Wade Shows turns a parking lot into an amusement park at the Nebraska State Fair, said general manager Gary Zaitshik.
Wade Shows has served the Nebraska State Fair for approximately 14 years, he said. It is based in Spring Hill, Florida.
Wade Shows offers 38 rides including the Sky Tram at the State Fair. It includes two rollercoasters. People can buy daily wristbands for using Wade Show rides, he said. Those wristbands can be purchased prior to the start of the State Fair at a reduced price.
Zaitshik described the groups of employees that Wade Shows has working at the State Fair. They include: ride operators (75), management (10), food operators (32), and game operators (50).
“You’ll see a lot of food on our midway,” he said. This includes drinks, corndogs, hamburgers, and typical fair food.
Wade Shows buys items from a number of local businesses during the State Fair. This includes diesel fuel, tires, vehicle service at Anderson For, and food.
“All of us like to eat at the local restaurants,” he said.
“We’re very happy to be here,” he said.
He said the business has a clean-up crew that works in the midway to keep it clean.
“We want to make a good impression,” he said.
Wade Shows travels throughout the country from January to Thanksgiving, he said. In the off-season, maintenance occurs for the various items that the business uses at State Fairs.
He said he is the third generation of his family involved in Wade Shows. His father is the CEO. His daughter and son are the fourth generation of the family working in Wade Shows. He said it is one of the largest carnival companies in the United States.
