| Enjoying the ride |
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The main attractions are two roller coasters and the largest portable Ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere, standing 160-feet tall and capable of carrying 244 people at a time. The carnival's size is a far cry from its tiny beginnings. Charlene and Guy each inherited their fathers' carnivals. Guy's dad, Harley Leavitt, was a home builder who traded a residence for a merry-go-round. Ray Cammack, Charlene's dad, sold cars near a neighbor who owned a carnival. The couple met when Guy got a job working for Charlene's dad. "At first it was a working relationship," Charlene said. "In fact, we didn't really even like each other." Guy added, "But then we started talking to each other, and we never stopped." After their fathers died, Charlene and Guy took over the respective carnivals, and eventually they merged the businesses. "It's a family operation," Charlene explained. "We ' re kind of like farmers or ranchers. We work long hours, but we get to do it as a family." The Leavitts said faith plays a strong role in their work. They pray before each meeting. They also give a Bible to each person who applies for a job. "And we try to help people who need a second chance," Charlene said. "Sometimes all people need is a job and a caring environment to help them straighten out their lives." Each year RCS is at the Arizona State Fair. Several of their fellow Mountain View members drop by and the Leavitts provide them a VIP behind-the-scenes tour. "We love being able to entertain friends," Charlene said. "People these days don't get to spend enough time with their families, and we love being able to give them a place to have fun together." Jeff Favre Favre is contributing editor of The Lutheran. |