Roller coasters, ferris wheels, dodge ‘em cars, scramblers and rotors: Some of our greatest childhood (and adult) memories revolve around amusement parks and carnivals. However, it’s important to remember that fun can be serious business.

I realized that at a young age, when my father and I became stuck at the top of the double ferris wheel at the Ohio State Fair when I was five. The ride jammed for what seemed like hours; at this point, I don’t know if it actually was hours or 15 minutes. The event left an indelible mark on my brain and to this day, my palms start to sweat and itch when I think about riding on a ferris wheel.

As amusement parks and carnivals have reopened this year following universal shutdowns during most of 2020 and early 2021, many families rushed to take advantage of the summer fun that was denied them … Read more...