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Note:
Click on any picture to enlarge the view
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All kits are
"Non-Motorized"
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All Carnival Kits are
H-O Scale
History
In 1957 The Midwest Showmen's Association was founded by a small group of men involved in the indoor/outdoor amusement profession in the area. They saw a need for a social and fraternal organization which would give them an opportunity to meet in a common place during the off-season, provide a social outlet and an exchange of ideas that would be beneficial to all. The membership today is comprised of men and women carnival owners, game and ride owners, food concessionaire's, entertainers and associates involved in the indoor/outdoor amusement profession. The Ladies Auxilary of the Midwest Showmen's was also established in 1957, for the benefit and welfare of it's members and parent organization. Civic endeavors have been the main focus of the Auxiliary from the beginning.
The Midwest showmen's Association motto "Our wealth lies in our charities" reflects the direction the club has taken over the years.
In 1992 the Midwest Showmen's Association Scholarship fund was established at the annual meeting. In 1993 the name was changed to The Midwest Showmen's Clem Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund the fund continues to grow from donations and fund-raisers, enabling it to expand from two scholarships the first year to thirteen scholarships in 2008.
The Clem Smith Memorial Scholarships are open for application from the general public.
In 1996 the Bruce Sellner Memorial Charities Fund was founded at the annual
meeting. The fund has contributed to multiple formal charities and individuals in need.
Pledges, fund-raisers and an Annual Golf Tournament, held by Sellner Mfg of Faribault, MN, help this fund to continue to grow.
In 1998 both the Clem Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Bruce Sellner Memorial Charities Fund were transferred to the newly formed Midwest Showmen's Foundation. This Non-Profit Foundation tax exempt status has helped expand fund raising for both Funds.
The Midwest Showmen's Association also maintains the Showmen's Rest located at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.