Spring Festival at the Fox Valley Mall, Aurora

Bill Johnson's carnival career began at age 11, retrieving balls at the knock-over-the-milk-bottle booth at a fair in Niles, Illinois. Through the following two decades, Bill rose through the ranks, climbing through the business like a gondola to the top of a drop tower. In 1985, Bill and his wife, Mary, took a leap of faith and opened their own company with just eight rides, a handful of games, and a popcorn wagon.

Today, Fantasy Amusements is a traveling affair, fielding over 40 theme park-style rides, family-friendly games, and scrumptious concessions. Though this carnival provider offers all the frills and thrills of a classic midway fair, their modern updates include nearly 100% energy-efficient lighting and self-service ticket dispensers.