Spring carnival celebrates 50 years with lots of giving

May 01, 2008 10:56 am

— Listen To The Story
By KANDACE MCCOY
kandace.mccoy@register-news.com
MT. VERNON — The spring carnival at Kmart has been a tradition in Mt. Vernon, and this year Swyear Amusement is turning 50 — while also contibuting a percentage of profits to the United Way of South Central Illinois.
Based out of New Athens, Swyear Amusement was started in 1958 by Ray Swyear, according to daughter-in-law Kathy Swyear. Swyear says her father-in-law was “a man of great principle, and ran his carnival with great pride, a handshake, very little formal education, and paper and pencil.”
She added Ray felt the carnival was a “respectable” business just as much as any other, and he wanted his equipment clean, well-lit and in good repair. “Safety was his No. 1 concern,” information from the company states. Ray and his wife, Janice, have three sons, Terry, Roger and Mt. Vernon resident Allen.
When Ray passed away in 1997, his elder son Terry took over the business and now oversees the operation of the company as president. Janice, who will turn 77 this year, is still involved with the company as secretary/treasurer and works the cotton candy booth. Son Allen and wife Susan of Mt. Vernon also help out with ticket sales.
This year, the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Terry is continuing his father’s tradition of entertaining communities as well as supporting local charities “with God’s divine guidance and commitment,” Kathy Swyear said.
“We’re a second- and third-generation business,” she continued. “We always give a percentage to charity to promote good will and give back to the community and the children that live here, helping others as we travel.”
The family-owned business has been coming to Mt. Vernon for more than 20 years, and Kathy Swyear said her husband is very committed to the carnival. “He’s dedicated,” she said.
The United Way of South Central Illinois receives a percentage of the profits of the carnival. Coupons are available from the UW at Hucks on Broadway across from the carnival.
The carnival opens today at 3 p.m. and will continue through May 11. Hours of operation are 3 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 10 p.m. on weekends.
For more information about the carnival, visit its Web site at www.swyearamusement.com.

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