The photographic carnival art that you see on my “ART” page, are all Larry Davis’ rides. He founded Carnival Time Shows, Inc. in 1958. I started my carny career (so to speak) on his show, in 1979, at Cal Expo in Sacramento, CA. I had a pocket instamatic 110mm camera at the time.

Larry passed away April 7, 2006. Very sick with cancer and heart problems for many years. His passing was a final relief from his suffering for us all. His family, friends, and crew will always love him and miss him, as do I.

The funeral was really truly wonderful. Several hundred people from all over the country came to say goodbye and pay thier last respects. The reception at the Springs Country Club was truly magical. Larry and his surviving wife JoAnn, live at the Springs. The weather was perfect, the Springs very gorgeous, lots of delicious food, and many many faces I hadn’t seen in years were thee. Many eulogies were given, some heartwrenching & sad, many happy and even funny. I finally got the courage to say something. Mine was the last eulogy of the day, then the country club management had to kick us out to set up for dinner.

Everyone left the reception very healed, very connected, feeling really good. It was a fantastic day, and I am so very grateful I was a part of it. The Davis family has always been a second family to me. I will post more about my personal history on the carnival later.

Larry Davis started my photography business. I would take my vacations from my “day job”, and run away and join the carnival, bringing my 35mm Minoltas, tripods, and as much film as I could afford. Larry taught me everything I know about business - the hard way - as I went along. I would come out to the fair, talk my way in, then go straight to his office, get my ID badge & car pass, and a list of assignments. I shot everything from “every joint on the midway”, or “get pictures of all the ride guys”, to carny birthday parties, weddings, and also took requests from the crew as well, and sold reprints to recoup my expenses. Larry always made my trips out to the show worth my while. He was my biggest customer. The “art” was a passion I had, that I did for me.

At the funeral reception, there was a very lovely display of carnival memorabilia (as well as golf, 9-11 memorial, and family displays). I was very honored & flattered to see several posters of my work. I realized that I couldn’t NOT say something at the reception! As I was speaking, I also realized how unique my story with CTS and Larry and his family truly is.

For years, Larry had talked to me about doing a coffee table book, featuring my art. Something that never came to fruition. Larry retired his carnival in 1998. His health got progressively worse over these past few years. I kept telling myself to get out there and talk to him, start interviewing him, and get the book going, but my own personal struggles with my “day job” and making ends meet kept getting in my own way. I told myself this year, I would make a point to go out to Palm Springs to visit Larry, before it was too late. I had been getting continual reports over the past couple of years from his daughter, Debby, that his health wasn’t good and seemed to keep worsening. Larry had been going in & out of the hospital numerous times for surgeries, treatments, and other Western medicine atrocities.

My only regret is that I never got to see Larry and visit with him one last time.

I guess it’s time to start writing that book - about my own personal experiences on Larry’s show.

I shot videotape of CTS, at Cal Expo in 1997, the last time CTS was in Sacramento. I plan to put together a video/DVD and make it available for sale on this web site in the near future, so watch out for that. I’ll put it up on my “photos” page.

Larry, you were a significant part of so many lives, and made millions of people very happy with your beautiful carnival. Your show was never just a carnival - it was a travelling amusement park. You will be missed and thought of very fondly. I know you’re up there, keeping a watchful protective eye on us!