Thursday 22 January 2009

Side-show alley


This large figure is based on the fair-ground illustrations of Art Barton who spent most of his adult life passionately wandering the grounds of Luna Park. Whilst not my chosen form of entertainment, it was enjoyable just wandering the grounds watching the families and teenagers enjoying themselves. The garishly decorated buildings and rides are designed to release the child inside.


When I was a child, I can remember going to Luna Park when we holidayed in Sydney from the Hunter Valley. I remember particularly a ride on the Gravitron and a ride on The Wild Mouse - neither of which ended well.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

The 1st shot is really cool! :-)

Hilda said...

I'm a sucker for amusement parks! I love them and I love these pics!

Bergson said...

I like the carnival, I arrive for athe big 8

Ann said...

Is there an entry fee or can you wander round for free if you are not going on the rides?

Julie said...

No entry fee! We just wandered in and looked and listened. A source of entertainment in itself.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I like side-show alleys but the one at Luna Park is often not crowded enough to create the right type of buzz. I particularly like the top pic.

Virginia said...

That clown is just great. The park looks really nice and well kept. Lucky you- a kid for the day!

Jim said...

I have some great memories of Luna Park as a kid and a teen. It's been a while since I've visited.

Unknown said...

Side shows were always my favorite attraction at carnivals--especially the freak shows! The roller coaster on the bottom right looks like a ride we have here called the "Rat Race." It not very fast but it's sharp, blind turns and unexpected dips make for a thrilling and somewhat woozy ride. At 47 years old, I still do it!

Jilly said...

Love these fair photos. And what a sky.