I want to create some authentic carnival games at home so I can practice my stuffed animal gathering skills with some friends. Does anyone know of plans for such games, or info on the type of materials used, etc.? Here's one I found for the bottle/ring pickup game. Any others like this? I'm mainly interested in the basket toss, but unfortunately the name of that game is also a cheerleading move, and I'm swamped in GO Team!
posted by razdrez on Nov 23, 2009 - 8 answers

Advance Halloween preparation! We're having a Dark Carnival- themed party-- think scary clowns, murderous roustabouts, and evil fortunetellers. We're looking for appropriate background music. [more inside]
posted by cereselle on Sep 14, 2009 - 26 answers

When I was young, I went to a Portuguese festival in New Jersey (USA), and played a curious game. In a fishbowl would be hundreds of pieces of tissue paper, rolled very thinly and bent. You would pay for 10 pieces, and then unroll them. If your piece had a mark, you would win a prize. I'm searching for what that game is called, does anyone know? [more inside]
posted by kensch on Jun 17, 2009 - 5 answers

How do the economics of traveling carnivals work? (I.e. does the host pay a fee to the carnival company or vice versa? Is it a straight fee or a share in the receipts? If its a share, does the host have any right to influence ticket prices?) [more inside]
posted by AgentRocket on Jun 8, 2009 - 6 answers

What are the most insightful interpretative writings about carnival/carnaval and mardi gras? [more inside]
posted by umbú on Feb 23, 2009 - 5 answers

I have a papier mache Carnival mask that's too narrow for my face. It curls back to sort of wrap around the temples, which instead digs into my head. How can I open it up a bit? Will steaming it work?
posted by backseatpilot on Oct 29, 2008 - 1 answer

You know the old Tunnel of Love fairground ride? What did one of those look like on the inside? [more inside]
posted by happyturtle on Oct 12, 2008 - 7 answers

What kind of a kid-friendly activity can I set up at a community charity event? [more inside]
posted by kamikazegopher on Oct 7, 2008 - 9 answers

help me find carnivals in San Diego - not just right now, but in general. [more inside]
posted by gcat on Apr 25, 2008 - 1 answer

I saw a carnival on Sunday while driving from San Jose to Oakland on the I-880 North. It was to my left. Does anyone know if will be operating tomorrow (Sunday) or have any information about it? [more inside]
posted by thehmmhmm on Mar 9, 2008 - 4 answers

Where can I find / how can I make a Venice-style Carnival costume in the Chicago area by Friday evening? [more inside]
posted by Reverend John on Feb 20, 2008 - 1 answer

Some friends and I are planning to spend a few days in Cadiz for Carnival. All the hostels and hotels are booked (and we're students so our budget is fairly tight to begin with), so we figured we'd just pack light and sleep on the beach. Any advice on how to do this comfortably, and without getting our stuff stolen while we're asleep? Should we plan on stowing our stuff in lockers at the train station? Should we bring costumes with us or get them there? Any scams, sketchy areas, etc. that we should watch out for? Any and all advice is welcome, we don't really know what to expect!
posted by slowcat on Jan 20, 2008 - 8 answers

Rio Carnival Filter We're attending Carnival next year and would like to know the best way to get tickets to the parade at the Sambodromo. [more inside]
posted by spifl on Sep 16, 2007 - 1 answer

Step right up! I need some fun, cheap games & activities for a fall festival. [more inside]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero on Aug 14, 2007 - 15 answers

Music for an art carnival? [more inside]
posted by sonnet on Feb 7, 2007 - 8 answers

I won a cruise to Baja, Mexico!! Now what do I do when I get there?? Help me by Suggesting things to do at the ports of call… [more inside]
posted by MathewS on Dec 20, 2006 - 7 answers

Tomorrow I embark on a cruise (Carnival) for the Caribbean. (First time cruiser!) Specifically Nassau, Saint Thomas and St. Maarten. Looking for any tips, things we shouldn't miss, and a couple of ship-related questions inside... [more inside]
posted by MarkLark on Sep 15, 2006 - 26 answers

I'm working on a project that requires somewhat in-depth knowledge of the workings of antique carnival/fun-fair size breakdown and re-assemble Ferris wheels. The problem is that I don't know enough about Ferris wheels or how they work to know what to look for. [more inside]
posted by xyzzy on Mar 23, 2006 - 7 answers

A while back, perhaps on Boing Boing, I saw some artsy carnival throwing game target dummies -- the kind shaped like bowling pins, but with faux fur edging. I believe they were art pieces made for sale. I can't find a link to these (or the 'real thing' version) anywhere, probably because I don't know the correct name. Any help?
posted by felix on Dec 14, 2005 - 3 answers

Is there a word for those life-sized painted wooden figures (most commonly at carnivals) with the oval cut out for your head to stick through, the purpose of which is to give the impression (for the camera?) that you are a strong man with strong arms or that you are one super sexy lady?
posted by nobody on Dec 5, 2005 - 8 answers