The carnival has been set up in Nantes since the beginning of the month and remains until October 2 on the Cours Saint-Pierre. But between rising energy prices, gasoline and the general drop in purchasing power, it is sometimes complicated for showmen to do good business and fill their rides. Many are then forced to adapt.
On Harrison’s flying chairs, no longer a single 100-volt light bulb. Instead, low-energy lighting. This Wednesday afternoon, he takes us around his merry-go-round. “At the level of the projectors that you see almost everywhere, before it was big bulbs, but now I have installed LEDs and it consumes much less. In the same way, the motors switch off automatically at the end of the daytime.”
Diesel fuel in generators
With the rise in energy prices, showmen try by all means to save as much as possible. And according to Harrison, the worst is yet to come. “This winter, it could be even more complicated, he regrets. We are not going to stay closed for all that, we will manage by putting diesel in generators.
Others had to go even further and increase the price of the ride. This is what most carnies like William, who owns a children’s attraction, had to do. “I had to increase my prices by 50 cents to cover the additional expenses, and it is very reluctantly, he explains. The carnival remains a family and popular celebration, but I don’t really have a choice anymore.”
50 cents extra for most rides
Despite everything, many of them stop in front of his stand, like Anne-Charlotte, who came with her nieces Eléonore, 9, and Apolline, 8. “I admit, I broke the piggy bank a little bit today, but not every Wednesday is like this, she smiles. I also have discount coupons for some rides, just to reduce the bill a little bit.”
And for the small family, despite the rise in prices, we can’t skip the snack! It will be cotton candy for Eléonore and a chocolate waffle for Apolline. The price of ice cream has also increased: count 50 cents more on average. But this Wednesday, only one watchword: pleasure! A way to extend the holidays a little bit.