What makes California Carnival Company different from other carnivals?

California Carnival Company plays over 30 festivals, parking lots, churches, and malls each year. Sam Johnston, owner of California Carnival Company, has over 45 years of experience owning and operating carnivals and amusement parks. Throughout the years, Sam has required that his carnivals meet strict quality standards, as well as, have what Sam calls “pixie dust”—that magical quality that transforms carnivals into traveling amusement parks. All of his rides are modern, freshly painted, and clean. Game concessions, which are framed in attractive new colorful canopies, carry only the most popular stuffed animals and toys. The carnival midway is cleaned daily and kept free of trash. All music played on our midway is family friendly and does not contain bad language. All full time employees must pass pre-employment and random drug tests, as well as, pass a Megan’s Law Sex Offender Background check. Sam also requires that all employees adhere to strict company uniform and grooming codes. Employees are not allowed to smoke on the midway.

How much does it cost to have California Carnival Company play an event?

Nothing. In fact, California Carnival Company has been successfully generating significant income for community and charity groups for years. As the sponsoring organization, you will actually receive a percentage of the carnival’s revenue. In exchange, it is your responsibility to find a location for the carnival and to obtain the property owners approval for your event. You may also be required to obtain some local permits.

What does the carnival bring?

Our carnival is a smaller, family-oriented carnival that is made up of 10-14 carnival rides, 6-10 game concessions, and a food stand. We offer an excellent range of rides for all ages. We also bring a generator to provide electricity for the carnival, and our support equipment such as some trucks and trailers, that will be kept “behind the scenes.” We bring everything that's needed except water. We will need to connect our equipment to an adequate water source. A standard water hose connection is usually all that's required.

Is your equipment safe?

All of our rides are inspected and certified by the State of California, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Amusement Rides Unit. We are also in full compliance with all in-house inspections and record keeping requirements as mandated by DOSH. Our trained, safety personnel inspect all of our rides on a daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annual and annual basis.

Who provides the Insurance?

California Carnival Company will provide all the insurance for your organization and the property owner. We carry $2,000,000.00 in liability insurance. Your organization as well as the property owners will be added on as additional insured to our policy for the dates we are on the lot at no expense to you. A copy of the Certificate of Insurance along with other pertinent licenses and/or permits will be sent to you. There will be no cost to your organization for this coverage.

Do you drug test your employees?

California Carnival Company requires that all full time employees must pass a Pre-employment drug test. Employees are also subject to random drug tests throughout their employment with us. Safety is our number one priority.

What about background checks on carnival employees?

Although not required by law, any full time employee of California Carnival Company must pass a Megan’s Law Sex Offender background check. Because we play family oriented festivals and events, we understand the importance of conducting background checks.

Will you help us advertise the event?

Our promotional director will work with you to develop a marketing strategy that best works to promote your event. We can provide you with posters, Advance Sale Discount Tickets, press releases, video footage, professional pictures, wristband give-a-ways for radio or television, and much more. We will work with you and your local media to maximize exposure of your event.

What are the days and hours of carnival operation?

Typically the carnival equipment will begin arriving on Monday. We will set-up the carnival on Tuesday, and then open on Wednesday. The carnival opens on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 4:00 pm, and Saturday & Sunday at noon. After closing on Sunday night, we will dismantle the carnival midway and remove the equipment by Monday. These are typical days and hours; however, we can adjust these times if you have a specific schedule.

Who is Sam Johnston?

Sam Johnston, owner of California Carnival Company, is a highly respected carnival industry leader. He grew up in the carnival business and succeeded his father who owned a carnival. After completing college and serving as a Lieutenant in the army, Sam created his first carnival company in 1981. Sam has been president of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), a national organization of carnivals in the United States. In 1996, Sam was inducted into the Western Fairs Association Hall of Fame, an honor shared with Senators and industry leaders. Sam has also served as President of the Showmen’s League of America and as president of the Showfolks of America. Sam has also owned and operated many children’s amusement parks, including: Pixieland, Funderwoods, Paradise Island, and Funderland, which he still currently owns and operates.