Midway Elements and Components
Emerging from a long tradition, are the identifiable elements and
activities that make up a midway. Though particular offerings vary from
season to season, specific components are necessary in the creation of
an authentic midway experience.
Special
foods often mark occasions and provide a reason to indulge on treats
that may not be commonplace. Many of the goods offered in the 1920s,
such as hot dogs, hamburgers, fried onions, corn on the cob, candy
apples, popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy, ice cream, lemonade, and soda
delighted earlier crowds as much as they do today.
Such fare is typical at current Northlands Park midways, where an even
greater array of foods exists now. Reflecting diverse tastes and
culinary capabilities, Northlands offers freshly made elephant ears,
mini-donuts, kebabs, curries, noodles, submarines, pizza, gelato, and
more.
Aside
from food, an unforgettably important part of the midway is its rides.
With their increased presence over time, the significance of rides has
grown. Looking at the Edmonton Journal's records dating back to
the 1920s, rides were reportedly an important midway component.
Visitors to the summer exhibition were treated to The Whip, Aeroplane
Swings, Ferris wheels, the Human Roulette Wheel, Butterfly rides, the
Tumble Bug, Elephant, Joy Mill, the Missouri Mule, Scenic Railway,
Skooter, and Lindy Loop. Interestingly, rides were primarily offered for
adults, but children’s miniatures quickly emerged.
Variety
acts continue to be a special midway
component. For those attending EEA shows in the 1920s, there were some
popular medleys including girl shows, with dancing and singing; water
shows, that ranged from modelling swimwear to high diving stunts to
synchronized swimming; and 'Wild West' shows displaying trick riding,
roping skills, and gun shooting tricks. Funhouses, trained animals and motordrome shows also served as side performances. Today,
the Northlands
Park midway carries some familiar features, such as the haunted house,
but also provides a broad variety of modern shows.
A midway would not be complete without the requisite assortment of
games. Game operators work hard to attract the attention of passers-by. To garner the attention of
onlookers, midways of
earlier times even had "belly sticks" or "shills"
who stood around a
game pretending to play. Nowadays, just like earlier times, prizes are prominently displayed to beckon
those who are willing to participate in tests of skill such as flipping,
tossing, throwing, and shooting. Hoops, darts, and rings all
prove fair
game for those interested in winning.
Another
long-held element of the midway is the presentation and sale of various
items. Looking back, objects available for attendees to take home have
included silverware, jewelry, glass items, and figurines. As tastes
have changed, so have the items available. Walking through a
Northlands Park midway, today’s popular treasures vary from huge plush toys to
electronic gadgets to old favourites.
![Featured Video: Bryce van Dusen recounts how he began collaborating with Northlands Park](/2217/20101208160414im_/http://www.northlandsmemories.com/images/site/midway_vid_thu.jpg) |
Past Northlands Park industry partner, Bryce van Dusen, recounts how
he began collaborating with Northlands Park.
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