08/08/2026
In Memory of Robert “Bob” Commerford (May 21, 1932 – July 27, 2026)
We lost a giant of the fair and festival world this summer. Bob Commerford spent decades on decades exhibiting and training animals, and when Goatboy Soaps was just starting out — still years away from being fully accepted in the fair circuit — he stopped by our booth and simply said, “nice looking animals.” Coming from a man of his experience, it meant more than he probably ever knew.
We got to see Mr. Commerford several times a year after that, and his family — Billy and Tim, who now run Commerford’s — have become dear friends. Commerford’s has been G.O.A.T. Days’ major contributor and the ones who bring the rides that make the festival what it is, every single year.
We recently saw the carnival’s tradition of honoring one of their own — turning a carousel pony to face outward, surrounded in flowers, in Bob’s memory. It’s a beautiful gesture from a close-knit community, and a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of his life to this world.
Rest easy, Mr. Commerford Thank you for the kindness, the years, and the memories.
