In 1966, Glen Wade offered him a job working for his 
carnival company that Sherman couldn't refuse.  
This was the start of the Schmidt family into the 
"Outdoor Amusement Business". In 1972, Sherman 
became the second unit manager for W.G.Wade Shows. 
For the next decade, he learned the carnival business 
along with his wife Joy, in fact, the whole family was 
in the business together.

In 1982, Schmidt Amusements was formed as a family 
business in the truest sense of the word, with Sherman 
at the helm with Joy taking care of the office. Both sons 
and a daughter have college degrees, but all have returned
from college and have stayed in the family carnival 
business. It started as just one carnival unit, but only two 
years later they created a complete second unit. Schmidt 
brothers, Terry and Doug became the unit managers. 
Their sister's Nancy and Peggy and their husbands 
Larry Mardon and Tony Anderson as well as Doug's wife, 
Kathy operated various support concessions. Over the 
years, there have been many changes. Today you'll 
find only one Schmidt Amusement carnival 
operating all season in Michigan.  

Sherman and Joy let the younger generations take the 
reins of Schmidt Amusements over the years. The company
is now completely operated by those younger generations 
of the Schmidt family. 

We haven't mentioned the extended Schmidt family of loyal 
employees, some returning summer after summer for 
10 years or more. Since starting in the early 80's, the 
Schmidt's have worked closely with many of their sponsors
 and have formed many long term relationships with them 
as well.

Today, the Doug Schmidt family operates their carnival 
having a goal of providing Michigan's fairs, festivals and 
events with safe, clean, thrill filled fun rides, great midway 
food and all around fun for the whole family at affordable 
prices! A visit to our midway will put a smile on the faces 
of young and old. 

Consider this your invitation to come visit us this summer! 

Doug, Kathy and family