A sideshow alley is an Australian term for the cluster of attractions that may accompany public events such as
agricultural show
An agricultural show is a public event exhibiting the equipment, animals, sports and recreation associated with agriculture and animal husbandry. The largest comprise a livestock show (a judged event or display in which selective breeding, bree ...
s. It is similar to the American term '
midway'. Australian sideshows typically comprise a variety of
amusement rides
Amusement rides, sometimes called carnival rides, are mechanical devices or structures that move people to create fun and enjoyment.
Rides are often perceived by many as being scary or more dangerous than they actually are. This could be due to ...
, games, and concession booths, run by a community of independent operators known as 'showies'.
History
The origins of the Australian sideshow alley can be traced back to the ancient fair culture of Britain.
By the 1880s, they were a regular part of agricultural shows in Australia.
Sideshows in Australia have changed considerably in the last 40 years. The 1970s saw the removal of
freak shows,
strip show
A striptease is an erotic or exotic dance in which the performer gradually undresses, either partly or completely, in a seductive and sexually suggestive manner. The person who performs a striptease is commonly known as a "stripper", "exotic da ...
s and other non-family entertainments. This was accompanied by an influx of expensive thrill rides and novelties imported from the United States and Europe.
Higher expenses and running costs and inflated public liability premiums are among the recent challenges facing the 500-plus families that make up today's sideshow alley and travelling amusement industry in Australia.
References
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Carnival games
Sideshow attractions
Sideshows
Agricultural shows in Australia