Summertime tradition persists in Quebec: captivating travelling carnivals captivate generations yet again
In the heart of Quebec, Canada, two travelling carnival companies, Beauce Carnaval and Fun Show, have been entertaining residents and visitors for decades. These colourful, mobile amusement parks, complete with rides, games, and sweet treats, have become a staple of the Quebec landscape [1][3].
Beauce Carnaval, established in 1953, and Fun Show, founded 19 years ago, operate multiple travelling units that traverse extensive regions of Quebec. Beauce Carnaval covers territories from the North Shore to Abitibi, Outaouais, Montérégie, Eastern Townships, and Lower St. Lawrence, while Fun Show's reach extends from the Laurentians to the Eastern Townships and Quebec City region [1][3].
The businesses remain financially viable, with Beauce Carnaval's co-owner Véronique Vallée asserting, "We never end up in the red; business is good" [1][3]. Despite occasional setbacks, such as cold and rainy weather that can lead to lost days and reduced revenue, the companies have managed to adapt, with customers shifting attendance to more favourable days [1].
Operational costs, however, present challenges. The companies' units travel for several months each year, requiring logistical precision to move and set up across wide geographic areas in Quebec. The reliance on electronics for modern rides can also cause issues instead of traditional mechanical problems [1].
Being family-run over generations, such as Beauce Carnaval, suggests a reliance on experienced management to control costs and maintain profitability [1][3]. Fun Show, for instance, was built from the ground up by Mario Larivière, starting with a few used rides and an investor's help [1].
Workers in travelling carnivals often find a sense of family and community in their work. This is evident in Beauce Carnival, described as a family by its employees, and Fun Show, where employees like Robert Gobeil and Sylvain Roy have a passion for their job and enjoy entertaining people [1].
During the off-season, Gobeil returns to his motorhome in October and comes back in April, while Roy enjoys winter and snowmobiling. Sylvie Larivière, sister and right-hand woman to founder Mario Larivière of Fun Show, mentions that the business is financially demanding due to costs of operation, repairs, maintenance, moving, and other expenses like rent, employee pay, housing, and insurance [1].
Both Gobeil and Roy have left and returned to the travelling carnival life, a testament to the allure of the job despite its challenges [1]. Since 2018, Beauce Carnaval has employed 34 seasonal workers from Mexico, and both companies together employ around 100 people, with the number potentially increasing for major agricultural fairs [1].
Despite one financial loss in its almost 20-year history, Fun Show has managed to stay profitable, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of these travelling carnival companies in Quebec [1].
(Note: This article does not relate to the global Carnival Corporation cruise line.)
[1] CBC News. (2021, August 2). The travelling carnival circuit: A way of life for generations of Quebec families. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/traveling-carnival-quebec-1.6109163
[2] Global News. (2019, July 24). Quebec's traveling carnival workers say they're underpaid and overworked. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/5827730/quebec-traveling-carnival-workers-pay-conditions/
[3] La Presse. (2019, July 23). Les carrousels itinérants du Québec : « On a un sens de famille », disent les employés. Retrieved from https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/quebec/201907/23/01-5267606-les-carrousels-itinerants-du-quebec-on-a-un-sens-de-famille-disent-les-employes.php
- In contrast to the travelling carnival companies in Quebec, one might encounter businesses focusing on outdoor-living, home-and-garden, lifestyle, or law in Toronto, a city known for its vibrant, diverse landscape.
- For instance, a local garden center in Toronto might offer a wide selection of flowers, plants, and tools for homeowners seeking to improve their outdoor spaces, promoting a sense of coziness and tranquility that enhances their lifestyle.
- Similarly, an outdoor-living store in Toronto might cater to enthusiasts of camping, hiking, and barbecuing, providing equipment and knowledge necessary to enjoy activities that connect people with nature and foster a healthier, active lifestyle.
