Thomas County Fair Week Kicks Off – Volunteers Needed for Carnival Rides!
- Kristina Hemel
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
It’s officially Thomas County Fair Week, and the lights, laughter, and thrill rides are about to take over the fairgrounds in Colby. The Thomas County Amusement Association is getting ready to kick off their 22nd year of operating our very own local carnival — and they need your help to keep the magic going.
Volunteers Needed – Or the Zipper Doesn’t Zip!
Becky and Tennyson from the Amusement Association joined NWKS Radio in-studio this week with an urgent reminder: without volunteers, *some rides won’t run.*
As of today, they’re still looking for a few folks to help run two key rides:
The Zipper:
* Shifts still open for Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, 7 to 10 p.m.
The Tilt-A-Whirl:
* Just one shift left to fill — **Saturday night, 9 to 11 p.m.**
No experience required (and no, you don’t have to know how to fix the Zipper — thank goodness). Volunteers just help load and unload passengers and make sure everyone has fun safely. “You don’t need to be a mechanic,” they joked. “Just show up with a smile.”
If the shifts aren’t filled, those rides will stay closed — and for many older kids, rides like the Zipper are the highlight of fair week.
How to Sign Up and Help Out
To volunteer, contact:
* Tennyson Jackson at (719) 342-5904
* Or email: info@thomascoamusement.org
* You can also message the Thomas County Amusement Association Facebook page for the latest updates and volunteer needs.
Fair Hours and Ticket Info
The carnival rides will be spinning and glowing Tuesday through Saturday with these hours:
Tuesday – Thursday 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets are just 50 cents each
🎡 Wristband Night is Saturday – $20 gets you unlimited rides all night long!
Why Volunteer?
This local-run carnival has been part of the Thomas County Fair for over two decades. Before that, out-of-town companies ran the show. But 22 years ago, the community said, “We can do this ourselves.” And they’ve done it ever since — with local people running rides for local kids.
“We don’t ask you to work every night,” Becky said. “Even just one two-hour shift makes a huge difference.”
Want to Get More Involved?
The Thomas County Amusement Association is also looking for new board members. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at the Thomas County 4-H Building. If you love the fair and want to help shape its future, this is a great way to step in.
Let’s Keep the Rides Running
If you’ve ever watched a kid light up on the Tilt-A-Whirl, screamed your way through the Zipper, or just love the sound of the carnival filling the summer air, this is your chance to help make it happen.
Let’s not let a ride sit dark this fair week. Volunteer, ride, laugh, and celebrate another fantastic Thomas County Fair!
.See you at the fairgrounds! 🎠🎆
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