07/07/2025
Our industry has consisted of some great people! Rest in peace, Dale.
SLA Past President and carnival great Dale Merriam, PhD, PE passed away on July 4th, 2025 at the age of 86. Dale had attended SLA banquets since the early 1950s, when they were held in the Sherman House Hotel in Chicago. He was president of our organization in 2014, the League's 101st year. At his presidential banquet he gave his outgoing address from horseback, dressed as Buffalo Bill Cody. A memorable moment for everyone in attendance. Dale grew up traveling with his father's company, Merriam's Midway Shows. After high school, he pursued an education in engineering at Iowa State, achieving a PhD in the field. During what he referred to as his "Lost Decade" away from the carnival industry he worked as an engineer for such companies as McDonnell Aircraft. When his father decided it was time to sell the carnival, Dale stepped up to take over the business. He ran Merriam's Midway Shows alongside his wife Alicia for four decades. He was an active participant in industry organizations such as SLA and the OABA. He published a book in 2020 titled "Wooden Horses and Iron Men" about his experiences and the history of his carnival. Dale’s son, Todd, continues his role as proprietor of today’s Merriam Midway Shows.
