Sam
Johnston,
owner of California Carnival Company, is a
highly respected carnival industry
leader. Sam grew up in the carnival business
and succeeded his father who owned
Johnston Amusements. After completing college
and serving as a Lieutenant in the army,Sam
created his first carnival company
in 1981, playing small festivals and events.
By the mid-nineties Sam’s carnival had grown to a 45
ride show that split into 3 carnival units and played
35 fairs and over
30 festivals in
California, Oregon and Nevada each year.
Sam
worked diligently to improve the carnival industry
and was involved in many industry organizations.
In 1996, Sam was inducted into the Western
Fairs Association Hall of Fame, an honor shared
with Senators and industry leaders. In 1999,
Sam was president of the Outdoor Amusement Business
Association (OABA), a national organization of
carnivals
in the United States. Sam has also served as
President of the Showmen’s
League of America and as president of the Showfolks
of America.
Most recently, in 2001, Sam decided to form California
Carnival Company which is a smaller, more family-oriented
carnival consisting of 12 rides. California Carnival
Company travels through Northern and Central
California playing community festivals and events.
Every year,
California Carnival Company helps local nonprofit
and charity groups
raise thousands of dollars.
Funderland
Not only has Sam owned carnivals, but in 1984 he
got his start in children’s amusement parks when he was awarded
the contract to operate the 2 acre amusement park
located within William Land Park in Sacramento, California near
the Sacramento
Zoo. Sam replaced
several rides with newer attractions and renamed
the facility Funderland.
Then in 1990, Sam decided to completely remodel Funderland. He added
a new Dragon Roller Coaster, Teacup Ride, and Antique Car Ride with
a permanent track and station installation. The existing historic Carousel
and its original horses were completely refurbished. Most exciting was
the addition of a fully restored, miniature, Steam Train replica that
circles the entire perimeter of the amusement park. Sam also had a permanent
Water Log Ride constructed for Funderland in 1993. With the remodeling
work complete, Funderland became a huge success and is a favorite destination
for kids ages 2 to 12.
Funderwoods
In 1985, Sam had the opportunity to operate his second
amusement park when he was awarded the contract to take over the amusement
park inside Mickie Grove Park, in Lodi, California. Sam dubbed the park
Funderwoods and like Funderland, replaced many of the older rides with
more exciting attractions such as the Train and Antique Car Ride. Numerous
improvements were made including extensive theming, addition of paved
walkways, brick planter boxes, permanent ride scenery, and birthday
party gazebos. Funderwoods is for all ages and contains bigger thrill
rides such as the Octopus, Sizzler and Tilt-a-Whirl.
Pixieland
In 1990 Sam acquired his third amusement park Pixieland
in Concord, California. In 1995 Sam performed a complete renovation
on this park as well. A castle-shaped archway was constructed for the
entrance and a new Dragon Roller Coaster and an Antique Car Ride were
permanently installed. The Train and Carousel were restored and the
Tea Cup Ride and Airplane Ride were added. Like his other parks, Pixieland
became a favorite destination spot for kids and families.
