Visitors stroll through the Fun Show Amusement, a travelling carnival set up in Laval, Quebec, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The Canadian Press
Spinning rides, cotton candy, and game booths return to towns across Quebec each summer. These travelling carnivals have delighted families for decades. They set up in parking lots and open fields, bringing joy to both kids and adults. For many in Quebec, carnival season feels like a cherished tradition that never gets old.
Rainy Start, But the Fun Goes On
This year’s carnival season started slowly. Cold, rainy weather in April and May made things difficult. “We lost nine Saturdays at the beginning of the year,” said Véronique Vallée, who runs Beauce Carnaval with her brothers. But as soon as the skies cleared, people came out in big numbers.
Beauce Carnaval is the oldest travelling carnival in Quebec. It began in 1953 and now sends two full units across the province. They travel from the North Shore to southern towns, including their home region near Quebec City.
A Family Business That Keeps Growing
The Vallée siblings are the third generation to run Beauce Carnaval. They spent summers helping out as kids and later returned after studying in different fields. “We all came back to continue what our grandfather started,” said Vallée.
Another company, Fun Show, also keeps the carnival spirit alive. It covers a large part of Quebec, visiting towns from the Laurentians to Central Quebec. Founder Mario Larivière started Fun Show 19 years ago with a few used rides and a big dream. His sister Sylvie says it’s a tough job, but they’ve only had one bad financial year since they started.
High Costs, Hard Work
Running a carnival isn’t cheap. Companies must cover costs like fuel, generators, ride repairs, staff pay, lodging, and insurance. “People don’t realize how expensive it is to move and run everything,” said Sylvie Larivière. She explained that modern rides rely more on electronics, making repairs more complex and costly.
Both companies hire around 100 workers each season. That number often grows during large local events. Still, finding workers can be hard. Staff spend six months on the road, far from home and loved ones. “It’s a unique lifestyle,” Vallée said. “You have to love being on the move.”
A Second Family on the Road
To help fill roles, Beauce Carnaval brings in seasonal workers from Mexico. Vallée says they create a strong support system and bring great energy to the team.
At Fun Show, many staff return year after year. “They find a second family here,” said manager René Caron. Some workers stay close even after the season ends.
People like Robert Gobeil and Sylvain Roy prove how deep the love for carnival life runs. Both men left the job at different times, only to return. “It gets in your blood,” Roy said. “We’re a family here.”
The Joy of Making People Smile
Carnival workers say their biggest reward is seeing happy faces. “We’re here to entertain people,” said Gobeil. “There’s nothing better than that.”
