
The 2012 Big Fresno Fair Carnival is the number-one stop for family fun this October! With almost 50 different rides at The Big Fresno Fair, Butler Amusements provides something for each family member to enjoy on the Midway. Also, don't forget to test your skills at one of the many games in the Carnival.
Main Carnival Hours:
Monday - Friday, 3:00 p.m. - Close
Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - Close
Kiddie Carnival Hours:
Monday - Friday, Noon - Close
Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - Close
SAVE SAVE SAVE
Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands
Be sure to take advantage of this BIG savings opportunity with the purchase of your Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands for the 2012 Big Fresno Fair. The Wristbands get you on as many rides as you want on your visit to the Fair. Note: Wristbands are good for any single day at the Fair. Discounted Wristbands are on sale for just $25 until October 2nd. Then during the Fair the Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands will cost $30 (Mon. - Fri.) and $35 (Sat. & Sun.) which is still a great deal!
$1 Carnival Ride Wednesdays
Enjoy $1 carnival rides on both Wednesdays of the Fair! Yes, that’s just $1 per ride on both Wednesdays of the Fair - October 3rd & October 10th!
Ride Coupon Sheets: Price for individual coupons are $1 each, sheets of 25 coupons are $23. Sheets of 80 coupons are $70. All rides require between 3 and 5 coupons.
Below is a complete list of the different rides that will be at the 2012 Big Fresno Fair. Butler Amusements will provide 9 spectaulars, 19 majors and 20 kiddie rides.
| Photo of Ride | Ride Name & Details | # of Coupons | Height to Ride Alone | Height to Ride W/ Adult |
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Giant Scooters: A new innovation on a traditional ride, our Scooters are state-of-the-art.Riders, seated in their "cars" begin a trip over a rectangular floor, bumping and dodging other drivers in their way! Coupled with the thrill of the ride is a light show, TV videos visible around the center of the platform, music and more special effects at night! The scooters are a custom-built attraction - the first in the United States, available only through Butler Amusements. |
4 | 54" | 48" |
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Music Express: This sleigh ride of grandiose proportions is Butler Amusements newest acquisition. This four trailer ride welcomes riders for an exciting spin, traveling forward, and around, then traveling backwards while negotiating an undulating path to add to the excitement. Its unusual size, unforgettable scenery, lights, music and ride make being whisked around and around fun and exciting! |
5 | 48" | 42" |
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Evolution: When it comes to Super Spectacular rides, the biggest and the best is the Evolution! A circle of seats, with riders held fast by a unique restraint system, begins to rotate. Then at once, the entire platform begins to rise to a height over 150 feet. While the platform continues to rotate the ride gently descends downward, only to repeat the process. Equipped with special effects of smoke and flashing lights, the Evolution is as exciting to watch as it is to ride! |
5 | 51" | 51" |
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Sky Diver: Riders can see the lights of the 72 acre fairgrounds from this towering 70-foot tall pillar of excitement. The Skydiver offers spectacular views of the Midway and beyond with hundreds of bright lights and 16 different passenger compartments that spin as the ride rotates, offering riders a thrilling experience. |
4 | 52" | 52" |
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Century Wheel: As a towering tradition of Butler Amusements, the Century Wheel dominates the Midway day and night, offering patrons a sweeping view from a height of 70 feet! Passengers are seated in separate gondolas and then whisked smoothly over the top and down again, reminiscent of the ferris wheel. The Century Wheel is a pleasant ride for the entire family. Recently equipped with a brand new LED lighting package, the wheel uses less energy and produces a magnificent light show! |
5 | 48" |
42" |
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Super Shot Drop Tower: The world-class Super Shot Drop Tower is one of Butler Amusements’ most popular rides. Unlike any other ride on our Midway, the Super Shot will bring a new dimension of thrills to your carnival goers. Twelve passengers are loaded with over the shoulder harnesses while they are gently lifted up the 90 foot tower. Once the passenger station reaches the top, it is released in an accelerated freefall. The Super Shot is an exciting and spectacular addition to the Butler Midway. |
5 | 48" | 48" | |
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Pole Position Coaster: The Giant Pole Position Spinning Roller Coaster is Fabbri Groups first spinning coaster delivered to a North America. The world-class coaster is composed of three levels, with the very top measuring 55 feet high. Riders hold on tight after the car climbs to the top. Then, after a moment of anticipation, riders experience a free fall while the car itself spins while maneuvering along the track. This is a superior coaster experience! |
5 | 52" | 52" |
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Giant Wheel: A towering tradition of Butler Amusements, the majestic Giant Wheel dominates the Midway day and night, offering patrons a sweeping view from a height of nearly 100 feet! Passengers are seated in separate gondolas and then whisked smoothly up, around and down again, a motion reminiscent of the ferris wheel. The Giant Wheel is a pleasant ride for the entire family. |
5 | 48" | 48" | |
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Fireball: Already a Midway favorite, the Fireball lifts riders high into the air, 20 at a time. As the main boom swings back and forth, the base begins to spin, giving passengers a feeling of weightlessness while they soar through the air with their feet swinging free! This ride creates a thrilling, unforgettable experience for its riders and it provides a spectacular show. |
5 | 48" | 48" |
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Wave Swinger: The Wave Swinger is a work of art, combining the traditional swing ride with lavish, hand painted scenery. The Wave Swinger lifts riders slowly from the platform and then proceeds to take them on a leisurely ride, tilting one way and another to add to the excitement. Its unusual size, unforgettable scenery, lights, music and ride make the Wave Swinger a Butler Amusements classic. |
5 | 44" | 44" |
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The Flying Bobs: The Flying Bobs has 18 seats each capable of carrying two adults. This fun and exciting ride revolves around in a 360 degree circle going up and down hills.
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5 | 48" | 48" |
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Footloose: Thrill-seekers have touted this ride as one of the Midway’s “craziest!” On the Footloose, the ride’s two gigantic arms loop counter-clockwise to each other turning completely upside down. Riders are secured by over the shoulder harnesses while their legs dangle free in the open air. This ride is sure to thrill even the bravest of riders.
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5 | 54" | 54" |
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The Zipper: The Zipper has been one of the Midway’s most recognizable attractions for years, providing thrills to riders from teens to adults. While the ‘cages’ holding two passengers each rise and descend on a tower boom, each spins independently and as the boom turns simultaniously. Three times the action, backed by spectacular lighting always brings riders back for more.
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5 | 52" | 52" | |
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The Grand Carousel: For decades, audiences have been awed by the beautifully handcrafted majesty of the carousel. To witness The Grand Carousel is to see this piece of Americana in all its glory. This 38 foot Americana-themed Carousel features 36 jumping horses and two chariots. Parents and children create memories while they enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful ride together! |
4 | 42" | 36" | |
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Ring Of Fire: Love of the Midway is a burnin’ thing, and in this case, it makes a fiery ring. On the Ring of Fire, passengers are firmly secured in their seats within a train of cars and are taken on a journey that circumnavigates the inside of a ‘ring of fire’. The train pauses once at the top before cascading down the track backwards! The Ring of Fire is a spectacular ride for teens and adults. |
5 | 55" | 55" | |
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The Viper: The Viper is another recent spectacular ride that Butler Amusements will be bringing to the Midway this year. A colossal ride with a brilliant green snake theme will take riders on a whirlwind journey. The large arm across the top of the ride tilts and spins. At each end of the giant arm are two clusters holding seating that spin independently as well. The open air design allows riders to experience spectacular twirling views. |
4 | 44" | 44" | |
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Eagle 16: As staple of the American Midway, this 16-seat ferris wheel has eight front facing cars holding two riders in each. It offers both a gentle ride around the 360-degree vertical circle and a thrilling view, as riders are lifted high above the ground and able to see for miles. |
4 | 48" | 36" | |
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The Starship 3000: The lights and excitement of the Midway literally become a blur as The Starship 3000 sweeps you off of your feet. Spinning at 24 RPM, The Starship 3000 uses centrifugal force to float the passengers off the floor, giving them the feeling of weightlessness. All aboard this 45-person capacity Starship are in for one wild ride. |
4 | 42" | 42" |
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Mardi Gras: Celebrate one of America’s brightest and boldest holidays without having to travel far. The Mardi Gras is a self-contained celebration of the famed New Orleans holiday. Two stories of exciting mirror mazes, moving escalators, music and lights combine for thrills, inside and out – day or night! |
4 | 36" | 32" |
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Club Idol: From the wacky auditions, to the thrilling finale, Club Idol takes you on a musical journey of epic proportions. A three-story, walk-through attraction, Club Idol is a thrilling trip through a maze of unusual sights and sounds! Inside and out, Club Idol is an eye-catching show, complete with music, lights and picturesque scenery! Club Idol is always a favorite for funhouse enthusiasts. |
4 | 48" | 36" |
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Scrambler: Zig and zag your way to an amazing time on the Scrambler. Families delight as they spin in two directions at the same time. The Scrambler has 12 seats each capable of holding three people. The main frame spins as each arm of seats spin independently, creating a feeling of funky flight. The Scrambler also features Deluxe Lighting and programmed incandescent “Ultra Lights.” |
4 | 48" | 36" |
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Crazy Train: Buckle your seatbelts; this is going to be one crazy train ride! Passengers bard the Crazy Train, two to a seat, and after the doors close, the train begins to move down the track. But this is no ordinary train ride as suddenly, the entire track starts to revolve! The train continues on, upside down and then just as it recovers, the track continues revolving. As exciting to watch as it is to ride, the Crazy Train guarantees excitement. |
5 | 54" | 54" | |
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Slide: The Slide is a ride for the whole family. It towers 35 feet high and has hills to slide down. Fairgoers of any age enjoy the thrill of our slide as they sail down the undulating path. Passengers climb a stairway, higher and higher to the top of the slide and then laugh and scream with delight as they sail to the bottom. |
3 | 42" | 42" | |
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Tilt-A-Whirl: Round and round they go and where they stop, nobody knows! An old favorite that has thrilled and excited patrons for generations, the Tilt-A-Whirl is a swirling experience for teens and adults. Separate cars rotate individually as the entire ride revolves up, down and around! |
4 | 48" | 36" |
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Balloon Samba from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch: Manufactured in Italy, this kids ride features hot air balloon carriages and is truly a marvel to look at. The bright lights make it especially magnificent for onlookers during the evening. The Balloon Samba seats 32 children in six air balloons. Fluffy white cloud cut-outs and bright, smiling suns grace the safety barrier and give kids the illusion of floating up in the sky. |
3 | 42" | 36" |
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Frog Hopper: The new Frog Hopper is a first of its kind as a fully interactive family ride that is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Brand new to Butler Amusements in 2011, the Frog Hopper combines frog themed vehicles with a unique, interactive bouncing motion for a guarenteed good time! |
4 | 42" | N/A |
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The Crown Merry Go Round: For decades, audiences have been awed by the beautifully handcrafted majesty of the carousel. To witness The Crown Merry Go Round is to see this piece of Americana in all its glory. This 30 foot Americana Themed Carousel features jumping horses, and two chariots. Parents and children create memories while they enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful ride together! |
3 | 42" | 32" |
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Looney Tooter Train: All aboard! This fun-filled train trip for the whole family takes place in brightly colored cartoon-like cars. Passengers board the train at the station with merry music, and bright scenery before the journey begins around a circular track. Fun for everyone is in store on this ride! |
3 | 36" | N/A | |
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Spin Out: The Spin Out is one of the most exciting rides on the midway. Made in England it stands 45 feet high and has 6 - 4 passenger seats. Passengers sit in one of four seats on the outside edge of the ride. As the Spin Out begins to rise six sets of seats begin to spin. Up, down and around passengers thrill to the sight and feel of Spin Out. There are only 8 spinouts on traveling carnivals in the United States. . |
5 | 52" | 52" |
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Kite Flyer: The Kite Flyer is an unusual amusement ride where, instead of sitting, passengers lie horizantally within the frame of colorful gliders. After riders are buckled in, the ride begins to turn and then rises in the air for a thrilling, soaring sensations before gently gliding back to earth. |
4 | 42" | 42" |
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Rock N Tug: Those who normally go with the flow are encouraged to rock the boat a little this year at the Fair. This little tug boat spins, dips and peaks like riding an ocean swell. The Rock N Tug seats approximately 20 individuals so parents can take to the high seas with their children. |
4 | 42" | 36" | |
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Lolli Swing: Enjoy all of the fun of the sweet colors and savory sensations of a lollipop without the calories and sugar! This brightly colored ride has 16 swings decorated with large swirl lollipops and lights. The centerpiece is a large clown complete with a red nose and floppy shoes. |
3 | 42" | 36" |
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U-Toob Funhouse: The U-Toob Funhouse is a walk through funhouse with a home movie twist. Patrons can enjoy clips of various funny home movies while negotiating obstacles. Unusual sights and sounds mixed with classic funhouse tricks make the U-Toob fun for the entire family. The beautiful scenery and two stories of fun will attract all funhouse enthusiasts. |
4 | 36" | 36" |
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Orbiter: The Orbiter is an exciting teen ride which features 4 twirling arms holding three spinning seats each. The Italian made ride twirls riders around until their seats are perpendicular with the ground below, quite the sight day and night.
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5 | 52" | 52" |
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Morbid Manor: Morbid Manor - Passengers are invited to climb aboard coffin like carriages which seat two passengers at a time. When the operator engages the ride, passengers creep along a winding track which takes them inside the Morbid Manor. Complete darkness awaits riders as their carriage navigates twists and turns. Only the bravest return from Morbid Manor. |
4 | 36" | 36" |
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Toon Town: This is your chance to see what it's like to live in the wacky world of your favorite cartoons. Toon Town attracts kids and adults of all ages on a walk through a funhouse with many exciting obstacles. Toon Town also has a video camera set up on the inside that the kids can stand in front of and they will appear on the screen on the front of the ride for all to see. . |
3 | 42" | 36" |
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Roadsters: Get your motor runnin’ on this high-octane kiddy ride. The Roadsters is an umbrella ride with mini classic cars to ride in which travel in a circular rotation. This ride will bring out the little grease monkey in any child! |
3 |
36" |
N/A |
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Circle of Champions: Round and round they go and where they stop, nobody knows! This sports themed ride is sure to be a hit with fans. Combining a tilting and whirling action with just the right amount of speed, the Circle of Champions is sure to be inviting for all ages |
4 | 48" | 36" |
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Tornado: The Tornado is a thrilling ride that is enjoyed by kids, teens and families of all types. The tornado has 8 uniquely designed spherical passenger vessels each with a capacity of 4 persons. Each vessel includes a centrally located steering wheel which enables the passengers spin the cars themselves. The Tornado lifts 7 1/2 feet into the air and tilts 20 degrees for a terrific ride sensations. |
4 | 48" | 48" |
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Super Roundup: The Super Round Up features a circular horizantal platform ith a vertical cage like wall around the outside edge. Capable of holding 42 riders, the ride starts out by spinning until the centrifugal force is enough to push riders against the wall. The friction between the riders' backs and the walls is enough to hold them against the outside wall. Then, the arm raises the horizantal platform to a vertical position in which riders, instead of spinning horizantally, are now spinning vertically. |
5 | 48" | 48" |
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Flying Swinger: For those who crave more than a roller coaster seat, the Flying Swinger offers the thrill of flight with the freedom to get one's feet out in the open air. This swing ride is vibrant yellow with beautiful hand painted murals of scenes from around the United States gracing its entire facade. Adults and teens love the gentle swooping glide as the swing lifts up, tilts and revolves, all at the same time. |
4 | 44" | 44" |
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Jumping Jumbos: Adding yet another humorous touch to the Midway are our Jumpin' Jumbos. This cadre of eight comedic elephants rise into the air and then gently descends while rotating from a center tower. |
3 | 42" | 36" |
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Raiders: The Raiders is an all time favorite to the little ones. Fun for the while family. Featuring walk through punching bags, a cargo net climb and many more features will keep the littlest of visitors wants to come back for more. |
3 | 42" | 42" |
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Tom Kangaroo: Experience the graceful, gentle ride of a baby kangaroo carried in ths safety of his mother's pouch. Four Kangaroos welcome children and parents aboard for a smotth ride. Passengers sit inside each kangaroo and as the ride turns, each kangaroo slowly revolves as well. |
3 | 42" | 36" |
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Wacky Worm Coaster: The Wacky Worm coaster is designed for the whole family. This two level family roller coaster is a great way for the entire family to enjoy the carnival. This brightly painted worm, surrounded by flower cup lights, is a charming addition to the Midway. |
4 | 42" | 36" |
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Wet Boat Ride: This kid ride features individual mini boats that float in water along a circular path. A great carnival ride for first timers! |
3 | 42" | 36" |
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1st Squadron: The 1st Squadron is a great ride for the whole family! These jet fighters have a small steering wheel that allows the children to maneuver the ride up and down as if they are the ones flying the jet through the air. |
3 | 42" | 36" |
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Dino Ride: The Dino ride features dinosaurs and elephants characters that hold riders. The entire ride circles while each character moves up and down. This ride operated at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch and was aquired by Butler Amusements in 2008. A gentle ride for children to enjoy!
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3 | 42" | 36" |
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Berry Go Round: On the Berry Go Round four larger than life strawberries welcome children and parents aboard for a smooth ride. Passengers can move the ride at their own pace by turning a giant steering wheel inside the berry spinning themselves round and round while the entire ride revolves as well. |
3 | 42" | 36" |
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Dragon Wagon: The Dragon Wagon is a tyke size coaster. The dragon holds two children in each of its segmented body. Hold on tight while coasting along the track with exhilarating dips and the wind in your hair. This is a perfect first timer coaster ride. This ride was purchased from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in the fall of 2009. |
3 | 42" | 42" |
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Quad Runner: The Quad Runner is great for first time riders. Souped up 4-wheelers seat two children each and travel in a circle. |
4 | 36"-42" | N/A |
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Renegade: A high seas adventure awaits aboard our fun-filled pirate ship funhouse, Renegade. Filled with challenging and amusing obstacles, this is thrilling, yet just right for the whole family. Patrons dodge punching bags and pirates and climb a cargo ladder before slidding into the mouth of a great white shark! From inside or out, the Renegade is an unusual "sailing" attraction! |
3 | 36" | 36" |
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Jeeps: Young kids are sure to get a thrill from these adorable 4x4 jeeps which travel in a circle under a shade umbrella. Complete with small jumps and honking horns these mini Jeeps are a great first ride for kids. This ride was purchased from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in the Fall of 2008. |
3 | 36" | 36"-42" |