Suicide at the Carnival

Suicide Nite

by Maria C

The carnival's in town. The first night it's open is usually known as 'suicide night'. I remember I used to beg my parents to let me go. I so wanted to be there to test drive the rides. There was something so mystical about signing a waiver releasing the carnival from any responsibility for the loss of my life. The darned bracelet was only $15 for all the rides I could handle. It was awesome! Unfortunately, I was never allowed to go. I guess I should be thanking my parents but I wish I had been there at least once on the opening night. I could've said I 'survived' the carnival. Pero nada.

I would get on some pretty big rides as a youngster. My tia would make us a ginger root tea to drink before we'd head out to tackle the rides. The tea was really nasty but it would supposedly help settle our stomaches. I guess it did because after some six rides, we were still going strong. We were some troopers. But I can't say the same for my poor mother. During one particular year, my cousins weren't in town to accompany me on the rides and my brothers are big wimps. My mom took on the role of 'partner-in-crime' for the night. I ended the night fine but she didn't get the memo on the ginger root. She did not have a good night. Some random street curb also ended up having a bad night.

I always look forward to the carnival, even though it ain't the same. I don't get on the rides anymore cuz my equilibrium is not what it used to be. Still, the whole atmosphere is so electric. It's so nice to see the kids get on rides and have them think that these are the only roller-coasters life will offer them. Ha. But go out and enjoy the event. Bring me back a candy apple on the way out. They're the best.

Funhouse: The Movie

I recently tortured my 'partner' into watching one of my favorite guilty pleasure, Tobe Hooper's Funhouse. I had to coax this person with a twelve-pack of cold, thirst quenching Schlitz, but once the film began and the beer began to frow freely, the fun and scares exploded in all directions.

The film is about a creepy carnival that comes through town and leaves mayhem in the lives of several 'teens'. Everytime I watch it, it reminds me of the WBCA carnival, or that creepy carnival that sets up over by Burlingon on Sanber. Carnies are a crazy bunch. The film itself is watchable and actually has several interesting scenes. In the words of Frank over at Cinema Gonzo, the film deals with suburbanites "forced to deal with humanity in all of it's gloriously deconstructed chaos." That is just how I feel everytime I pass by Santa Rita. Damn.