SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — After nearly 80 years, Wheelock Rides says they are going out of business.
The Syracuse-based midway company is blaming the high costs of operations as their reason for closure.
There have been many small town fairs that have taken to social media to share the news.
On April 30, 2024, Rome Catholic School took to Facebook to give information about their school festival, to be held on May 4 and May 5. However, they stated within the post that there would be no carnival rides this year due to a last minute cancellation by the vendor, Wheelock Rides.
They followed up in the comments days later, saying, “Unfortunately No rides this year. Our ride vendor cancelled on us over the weekend. We called EVERYONE in the area and it was too late. Apparently the ride vendor is closing his doors for good.”
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Wheelock Rides has been setting up rides, games and other amusements at field days and festivals across Central New York for decades.
“We have three generations currently working on our midways. We entered the carnival business in 1946 and have been bringing joy to many places since then. We have shows for 2 day festivals, 4 day firemen’s field days, 7 day county fairs or anything in between,” states their website.
Their most notable gig has been the annual Lafayette Apple Festival.
But the event won’t be without rides.
County Legislator Dave Knapp says they are looking forward to a new partnership with Main Event Amusements, in Solvay, to provide rides and some new fun options for the LaFayette Apple Fest.
He adds that Wheellock was wonderful to work with, after 40 years of setting up amusement rides for the festival.
NewsChannel 9 has reached out for comment, but has yet to hear back. We will update the story if we get a response.
