Smokey's Greater Shows

Smokey's Greater Shows is a traveling carnival midway company based in Fryeburg, Maine, United States. It provides amusement rides, games and concessions for local, county and state fairs throughout Maine.[1] It appeared at the Fryeburg Fair for over forty years, before its partnership ended in 2022.[2]

Smokey's Greater Shows
TypePrivately held company
IndustryAmusement rides
Founded1950s
HeadquartersFryeburg, Maine, U.S.
Key people
Bud Gilmore (former owner)
Jeanette Gilmore (current owner)
Robby Driskill (manager)
ProductsAmusement ride and traveling carnival management
Websitehttps://smokeysgreatershows.com/

Many of its attractions are unique, including its Giant Gondola Wheel and Sky Diver.[3]

The company was founded in Strong, Maine, by Vermont native Roland Gilmore, who was known for his ability to procure free cigarettes out of vending machines.[4] Gilmore's son, George (Bud), took over the business in 1970, after Smokey's death (at which point he realized his father had changed his name from Ronald).[3] George died in 2013, aged 70, at which point his widow, Jeanette, took the reins.[4]

Until the early 21st century, Smokey's Greater Shows served the five northeastern states, but rising fuel costs forced it to reduce its coverage to Maine only.[4]

In 2015, the fire marshal of Waterville, Maine, charged Smokey's over two incidents at the Head of Falls in which three children and an adult were injured.[5][6]

In 2022, Smokey's signed a multi-year contract with Union Fair, in Union, Maine.[7]

References
  1. Zarrilli, Katie (2018-10-22). "General manager of Smokey's Greater Shows tells his side of fair date controversy". WAGM TV. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  2. "New rides delight, Fryeburg Fair numbers up | The Bridgton News". 2022-10-14. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  3. www.mwdwebdesign.com, Matt's Web Design-. "Smokey's Greater Shows (Fryeburg, ME)". Smokey's Greater Shows. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  4. Coffin, Jaed (2017-08-31). "A Trump-Loving Impresaria, Her Immigrant Workers, and the Future of a Maine Institution". Down East Magazine. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  5. Staff Report (2015-07-06). "Fire marshal charges Smokey's Greater Shows over Waterville carnival accidents". Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  6. Sentinel, Doug HarlowMorning (2015-07-12). "Skowhegan fair goes on with Smokey's Greater Shows". Press Herald. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  7. "Union Fair signs multi year contract with Smokey's Greater Shows". PenBay Pilot. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
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