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Savannah and Madison Kissel are eager to continue their family’s legacy in the carnival industry. With respect for the past, including the wisdom of their great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents, the sisters are working halfway to modernize the “Kisel Experience.” “This has always been a family business, started in 1932 by our great-grandfather. This generation is eager to change the typical carnival atmosphere. We are very focused and excited to enhance the guest and employee experience,” says Kissel.
The 2022 season is going to be a great one for the Kissel family. “Everyone is hesitant about how 2022 will go and how successful the campaign will be. It won’t be the same as 2021, but we’re lucky to have the results we did,” Kissel said. Luckily, Kissel Entertainment hosted all the H2B staff they’d expect, which helped the show run on all cylinders and accommodate the crowd.
Madison and Savannah certainly noticed a change in consumer behavior this season compared to last. “Prices are going up everywhere, some families don’t have as much money to spend. The cost of living has gone up. People will still come out and spend, but maybe they’ll split a big soda instead of everyone having one, We saw some small differences like this,” Kissel said. “We’re also seeing more and more younger generations coming out, but maybe not as many families this time around,” she added.
Supporting the success of the Kissel Entertainment team are some new events. 2022 marks the first time Kissel will provide a halfway for the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville.
“We are delighted to be partnering with such a great team dedicated to the show,” Kissel said. “We put on about 36 events a year, and the love and dedication of the Fair Committee can really be seen at the Tennessee Valley Fair.”
Whenever there is a change of provider during a long campaign, midway providers often need time to adapt to the terrain and flow of events. The Kissel family took the time to learn about the Tennessee Valley Fair and think about what changes they could make to make it even more successful in the years to come. “We look forward to developing the Tennessee Valley Fair and growing with them,” Kissel said.
The Kentucky State Fair is another new event for the Kissel family. “This was supposed to be our third year at the show, but due to covid it’s only our second year of operation,” Kissel said. After its first year of operation in 2021, Kissels is focused on adding midway and adding experience this year. “Once you see the operation with your own equipment and you get a better understanding of the community, you know what to expect. I think 2022 is better than 2021 at the Kentucky State Fair,” Kissel said.
The sisters believe that at every major event, it is important to create partnerships between the show and carnival suppliers.
“This event would not have been possible without the fair committee and carnival, so why not treat it as a partnership,” Kissel asked. “Our managers are very hands-on at Midway, which often surprises our event partners. We love getting involved with new ideas and promotions, trying to get new people to the show,” she says. For the Kissel team, it was all about creating the best possible experience for trade show visitors.
The Kissel experience is made possible through guest amenities such as a lighted midway, baby changing area, benches, and a “Fun Farm” play area for toddlers who aren’t tall enough to ride. Midway’s customer service station and consistent branding are must-haves for the Kissel family. “We have customer service ambassadors at every event to help guests with anything they may need and to answer questions. We pay great attention to uniformity and brand consistency,” says Kissel. From parasols for employees who ride rides, to canvas, to the stencils that sit beneath corn dogs at the food cafe, Kissel’s name is clearly embossed on all midway materials. “We’re even strict about the area behind the house. People think we’re crazy, but we have a lot of rope laid out for the parked vehicles so everything is organized and we have all the lifelong housing facilities for the team members wrapped up in the Showing color,” she said.
Another focus for the Kissel sisters and their team in 2022 is to increase the supply of playgrounds for children. Madison and Savannah have three children under the age of four; their own family has inspired the two to invest in the best children’s and family rides for their family business. “We had about 10 new purchases, all family rides and kiddie rides, which we added midway through the season,” Kissel said. Some of the rides include the SBF Pirate Ship, Baja Buggy, Kids Drop Tower, Rumble In The Jungle Playground, Rockin’ Tug, Sizzler and Wisdom Tornado themed “Cyborg” ride. The Kissels also debuted their newly refurbished carousel at the Lexington Bluegrass Festival. In terms of thrill rides, the ARM Super Shot themed “Kong Tower” was introduced at the Kentucky State Fair.
Kissel Entertainment now travels with about 58 pieces. “We’ve come a long way in recent years,” Kissel said. “All credit goes to our team members and employees for growing our business and our family.” Madison and Savannah are focused on improving the quality of their operations to attract the best shows in the country. “We focus on quality over quantity,” Kissel said. “For us, it’s a passion and a way of life, not just a job. We’re already planning for next year. We’re ready to get back on the road,” laughs the sisters.
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