American Showman Magazine - Incredibly Rare 1983 Issues (Carnival Fairs & Fests) 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.
In 1983, American Showman continued to use adistinctive alternating cover style: the 1st of month issuesfeatured aglossy color cover, while the 15th of month issuesused aplain black and white paper cover - except for the last issue in this set (May 1), which used the black & white paper cover.
It was unclear when American Showman ceased publication, as no information could be found beyond the May 1, 1983 issue.
This listing is for the first 9 issues of American Showman magazines published in 1983.American Showman starts its year in May, with May as the number 1 in each Volume year.January 1, 1983 Vol 5 No. 22 (26 pages)January 15,1983 Vol 5 No. 23 (14 pages)February 1,1983 Vol 5 No. 24 (34 pages)February 15,1983 Vol 5 No. 25 (14 pages)March 1,1983 Vol 5 No. 26 (18 pages)March 15,1983 Vol 5 No. 27 (14 pages)April 1,1983 Vol 5 No. 28 (86 pages)April 15,1983 Vol 5 No. 29 (14 pages)May 1, 1983Vol 6 No. 1 (14 pages)

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