Carnival

The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo will present all new rides, attractions and concessions in 2009! We are now under contract with Butler Amusements, the West's largest carnival company. Come and experience the fun and excitement of our great midway - there are plenty of thrills, chills and laughs for everyone in the family!

In addition to the great rides, there are games galore - each designed to be entertaining and challenging. And, of course, you can count on great food, including cotton candy, corn dogs, popcorn, funnel cakes, churros, caramel apples, kettle corn, hamburgers, fries, tacos, Mexican food, Thai food, sausages, pizza, tri-tip and ribs, corn on the cob, cinnamon rolls, ice cream, milkshakes, soft drinks, beer and other beverages.


Our 2009 rides include:

For Thrill-Seekers:

pole position

Pole Position Giant Spinning Coaster
The Giant Pole Position Spinning Coaster is the newest, most exciting addition to the Fair & Expo. The coaster is 55 feet high and features five spinning cars and special sound effects. Four adults are seated per coaster car and the car spins while executing the coaster track. It feels like a Tilt-A-Whirl combined with a roller coaster for an exhilarating ride.

fireball

Fireball
Already a midway favorite, the Fireball, from Holland, lifts riders high into the air, 24 at a time. As the main boom swings back and forth, the base of six groups of seats begin to spin, giving the 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 provides a spectacular show, day or night!

spinout

Spin Out
The Spin Out is one of the most exciting rides on the midway today. 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.

flying bobs

Flying Bobs
Our Flying Bobs creates the sensation of a toboggan trip through snow-covered Alps! Passengers sit, two in a tub and as the Bobs begins to turn, their speed increases and the tubs literally fly up and down over the undulating mountain path. Then, the Bobs reverse for yet another thrilling ride! For teens and adults.

crazy train

Crazy Train
Passengers board the Crazy Train, two to a seat, and after the ‘doors’ slam shut the train begins to move down the track. But 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, day or night.

crazy train

The Viper
The Viper is a colossal ride with a brilliant green snake theme will take riders on a whirlwind journey. The large arm across the entire top of the ride tilts and spins. At each end of the giant arm are two clusters holding two-part seating which spin independently as well. The open air design allows riders to experience spectacular twirling views. The Viper seats 24 passengers and uses state of the art shoulder bars and is decorated with over 3,000 brilliant lights.

Wind Surfer
The brand new Wind Surfer is the most recent ride that Butler Amusements will be bringing to the midway this year. This brand new ride manufactured by Wisdom Industries is the very first of it’s kind and Butler Amusements is the first to own it! The Winder Surfer has eight cars each with a sail and a two person capacity seat. Each wing is controlled by the riders so the seat flies up and down. The center of the Wind Surfer tips and lifts to simulate the swooping action of Wind Surfing on ocean waves.

 

 

Family Favorites:

giant wheel

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 over the top and down again, reminiscent of a ferris wheel. The Giant Wheel is a pleasant ride for the entire family.

wave swinger

Wave Swinger
The Wave Swinger is a work of art, combining the traditional swing ride with lavish, hand painted scenery. Imported from Germany, 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.

carousel

Grand Carousel
The 50-foot Grand Carousel features 60 jumping horses, and 2 chariots for a total capacity of 68 adults or 72 children.

 

For the Kids:

wacky worm

Wacky Worm Coaster
Wacky Worm is a large roller coaster ride with a train like a worm and can easily accommodate adults as well as children. Passengers hold on tight while the Wacky Worm sends them cruising the two-story track decorated with whimsical flower light posts.

rockntug

Rock N Tug
Everyone is sure to enjoy this boat ride! The little tugboat spins, dips and peaks. It is just like riding an ocean swell. The Rock N Tug seats approximately 20 individuals so parents can ride with their children.

looney tooter train

Looney Tooter Train
All aboard…this is a fun-filled train trip for the whole family in brightly colored cars. Passengers board the train at the station. With merry music and bright scenery, a gentle journey begins around a circular track. Fun for everyone!

 

jumpin jumbos

Jumpin’ Jumbos
Adding yet another humorous touch to the Midway is the Jumpin’ Jumbos. This cadre of eight comedic elephants rises into the air and then gently descends while rotating from a center tower.

 

squadron

1st Squadron
The 1st Squadron is a great ride for the whole family!  Each jet fighter plane has a small steering wheel that allows a child to maneuver up and down as if they flying the plane through the air.

squadron

Balloon Samba
The Samba is another new acquisition for the 2009 Butler season. 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 to look at during the evening. The Balloon Samba seats 32 children in 6 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.


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