American Showman Magazine February 1982 (Carnival Fair Amusement Industry) For Sale

American Showman was a leading American trade publication serving the carnival, fair, and outdoor amusement industries since May 1978. Highly valued today by carnival historians and showmen collectors, it documented the golden age of traveling entertainment with unmatched depth and insider access.
The magazine acted as a vital communication link between traveling shows, fair committees, and ride manufacturers. Each issue offered practical logistics such as carnival routes, county and state fair dates, and regional venue information. It also served as a major advertising hub where manufacturers promoted new thrill rides, concession equipment, game setups, and custom trailers. American Showman frequently covered industry giants like Royal American Shows, detailing daily operations, staff movements, and attendance figures, material that makes surviving issues especially valuable for researchers and collectors.
1982 was a remarkable and transitional year for American Showman. In June, the magazine relocated from Springfield, MO to Nashville, TN and shifted from its long-standing monthly format to weekly publication, reflecting a surge in industry activity and demand for more frequent updates. In September, the schedule changed again to semi-monthly, and the magazine adopted a distinctive alternating cover style: the 1st of month issues featured a glossy color cover, while the 15th of month issues used a plain black and white paper cover. This unusual mid-year evolution makes 1982 one of the most visually and historically interesting runs for collectors.This listing is for the February issue of American Showman magazines published in 1982It features the glossy color cover. Issue numbers start each year with the May issue, so this February issue isVol. 4 No. 10 (46 pages)
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