In 1932 Russel and Ralph Kissel started a pony ride business offering rides to children at a Coney Island. The amusement park was located on the banks of the Ohio River near Cincinnati. Profits soared and soon the brothers began their own amusement park along with a traveling carnival. As the two families grew, many attractions were added, but the brothers always maintained the high level of quality that they were known for in the Queen City.
Over the years, leadership was handed down from father to son to grandson. Many different family members begin their own version of the original Kissel Brothers Shows and some still operate in Ohio.
Russel's third son began his version of the family business, and in 1973, Kissel Rides and Shows was born. The new show held many ties to Cincinnati but moved most of the route to the south, operating in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. Moving through the 1980s and 1990s, the Kissel Family maintained a reputation for high quality family entertainment that came to be the benchmark for the twenty-ride carnival and the fairs who they serviced.
In 2005, a new vision of the family business began, and the show begin its transformation into a major midway provider. At the helm stood R.A. Kissel along with his wife, Tammy, and the metamorphosis began. Older dated equipment was sold off and new equipment was purchased. Updated safety protocols were implemented, and the route was expanded to a regional footprint.
Heading into 2020, the newly branded Kissel Entertainment saw the most exciting changes yet. R.A. and Tammy's daughters, Savannah and Madison Kissel along with their spouses catapulted the company to a monumental level. Teaming up with nationally recognized partners and fairs across the country, Kissel Entertainment leads the industry in fresh ideas and midway concepts boasting over 55 rides and attractions, a midway beautification program, and a traveling school. The possibilities are endless.
The future certainly looks bright and with a solid foundation to build from. The Kissel legacy will continue to flourish and entertain millions of Americans and soon around the globe.
On Thursday, Theunisz also sold a new KMG Freak Out to Chip Kedrowicz of Rainbow Valley Rides for 2030 delivery. Rainbow Valley owns one of the original Freak Out models but opted to purchase a new unit rather than refurbish the existing ride. Kedrowicz will have the option to change the order to a different model, such as an Inversion or Lunarix, before construction begins.
KMG's first Lunarix will debut with Kissel Entertainment.
"It's coming earlier than originally planned. They will receive it in April 2027," Theunisz said.
Butler Amusements will take delivery of the second U. S. Lunarix in November 2028.
The Kissel family was busy at The IAAPA Attractions Expo making new equipment purchases and finalizing pre-show orders. Russ Kissel was happy to report that Kissel Entertainment was adding a new SBF/Visa Kiddie Pirate ride from Rides 4-U, a Zamperla Baja Buggy, a Wisdom Himalaya with a custom theme, and a new KMG Move It-24, slated for a 2026 delivery.
Prior to the show, the family purchased a 33m Lamberink Giant Wheel from Peter Theunisz's UsedRidesEurope.com. The new wheel will play a variety of independent spots as well as some larger spots on the Kissel route. The wheel will be unlike no other with a Venetian theme complete with statues and employees sporting Venetian themed uniforms.
Kissel also reported that they were finishing deals on a new dark ride and a super spectacular ride from Mondial.
Rides were not the only items purchased as the show also heavily invested into support equipment including 6 Freightliner Cascadia Tractors, a new crane, 2 Semcor/Gullwing Generator units, 2 lifetime bunk houses, light towers from Showmen Supplies, 4 shaded rest areas, and also a new game trailer from Gautier.
“We had a great season and are investing in the future of our company,” stated Kissel.
11.03.2023
Kissel Entertainment Announces the Debut of the Largest Observation Wheel in the State
Kissel Entertainment invites guests to be one of the first to lift off aboard the South's newest observation wheel and glide gracefully, high above the Rocket City Trash Panda's Stadium. The 108 feet tall wheel will be making it's North American debut on March 10th at the Big Ol' Ballpark Fair in Madison.
Riders can enjoy comfort, elegance and style while surrounded by the luxurious design and attention-to-detail of expert European craftsmanship. Thousands of twinkling lights brighten the journey through the sky while illuminating the opulence of the experience. Guests and five of their closest friends will be swept off their feet by this piece of modern art while enjoying breathtaking heights as they hover high above the crowds below. Fair attendees can experience the revolutions of the giant observation wheel for themselves on this history-making moment as the European sensation makes it's first appearance in the United States of America.
Russell Kissel, CEO of Kissel Entertainment said, "I'm thrilled that the Kissel family has the opportunity to bring this great experience to the people of Alabama. This will be something to see and can be enjoyed by everyone."
This will be one of Kissel Entertainment's largest set ups to date. The massive observation wheel weighs over 200,000 pounds and will arrive at Toyota Field on five semi trucks. The assembly will take several days and require the use of two cranes. Nick Seibert, General Manager of Kissel Entertainment's Red unit said, "My team and I are eager to accept the challenge of assembling something so spectacular."
The Big Ol' Ballpark Fair opens Friday, March 10th and runs through Sunday, March 19th.
#VenetianWheel #KisselFun
17.02.2026
Checkout what will be the FIRST coming to America presented by Kissel Entertainment ⬇️
“Kissel Entertainment has been setting the standard for innovation and excellence in the carnival industry, and our partnership with Gosetto continues that tradition. We are honored to be the first in the United States to introduce the Gosetto Musik Express, that will undoubtedly bring a one-of-kind experience to our fair partners, to our guests, and to our nation.
This engineering feat is unique for a reason.
The Musik Express is not to be confused with common one-trailer, ‘Himalaya-style rides' that many operators use today. We are building a modern version of the authentic, old-school European Himalaya ride that is unlike anything to be found in the United States. We believe it's essential to continually invest in groundbreaking attractions that elevate the fair experience and set new standards for the entirety of the industry. Through this meaningful collaboration with Gosetto.
KMG, Gosetto Secure Orders Through End of Decade at Gibtown Trade Show
Talley Amusements
By: Matt Cook
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Peter Theunisz is no stranger to the IISF Trade Show. He has attended since the early 2000s, representing KMG of the Netherlands. Over the years, he expanded his business to offer quality used equipment from Europe through UsedRidesEurope.com and represents new ride sales for KMG and Gosetto of Italy.
Theunisz arrived at the show with modest expectations, citing 15 percent tariffs on European equipment and ongoing labor concerns tied to the H-2B program. To his surprise, the event exceeded expectations.
At the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Theunisz unveiled plans for a portable Musik Express from Gosetto. The ride will transport on two trailers: a center load and an auxiliary trailer carrying the cars, sweeps, and miscellaneous equipment. Designed to resemble a classic European Himalaya-style attraction, the ride emphasizes portability. Folding platforms extend from the main trailer and can be assembled by four workers. It will feature a traditional European track layout, rear tunnel, full canopy, and updated engineering.
"We presented the design to a U. S. customer at IAAPA, and they committed to the first one in the U. S., with delivery in early 2030," Theunisz said. "A week before Gibtown, I began advertising it and received several leads. On the first day of the show, I sold another for early 2030 delivery, and on Thursday, I sold a third for late 2030."
The first unit will go to Kissel Entertainment.
“Kissel Entertainment has been setting the standard for innovation and excellence in the carnival industry, and our partnership with Gosetto continues that tradition. We are honored to be the first in the United States to introduce the Gosetto Musik Express, that will undoubtedly bring a one-of-kind experience to our fair partners, to our guests, and to our nation. This engineering feat is unique for a reason.
16.05.2025
🎢 NEW RIDE ALERT🚨 Welcome to WUNDERLAND
“We’re all mad here… but the fun kind of mad!” – 🐱 The Cheshire Cat
Step through the looking glass 🪞 and into a world of wild rides, topsy-turvy thrills 🎠, and magical memories ✨!
Wunderland is our newest ride—and it’s as curiously twisted as the Mad Hatter’s tea party ☕️🎩!
Don’t be late for this very important date! ⏰
Find Wunderland at your favorite Kissel Fair🎪 and get ready to tumble down the rabbit hole 🐇🌀
“Have I gone mad?”
“I’m afraid so… but let me tell you something, the best people usually are!” – 🎩 Mad Hatter
#WunderlandRide #NewRideAlert #FairFun #DownTheRabbitHole #KisselFun
26.11.2024
KMG introduced their new Lunarix ride last year, and sales are starting to pile up. The ride, a cross between an Inversion and Speed, reaches as high as 78'. It holds 16 riders at a time. The ride travels on one trailer and does not require a crane for set up. It takes about 4 hours to set up and does not require a water ballast tank. It travels on one road-legal trailer. The ride also comes with a full LED package.
The Kissel Family visiting with KMG at IAAPA Expo 2024. Left to right: Russell Kissel, Albert Kroon (KMG), Savannah Kissel-Seibert, Maddison Kissel-Jonker, and Brittney Lane
The first edition of the ride is going to Australia, but version #5 will be going to Kissel Entertainment in the US. Other US purchases of the ride include one to Peachtree Rides for an early 2029 delivery and a copy to Sean Butler in April of 2029.
Also coming soon to North America is an X-Drive ride going to Canada and an X-Drive for Power's Great American Midways for summer of 2025. A Move -It is also coming to a park in March of 2029.
Amy Kroon of KMG said the show was “very good, busy. It started slow until noon on opening day then picked very strong.”
To help improve parts and service for KMG products, Kroon's brother, Mikey Kroon will be coming to the US for much of the summer, to be based in Chicago. He will be working with Partners Showmen's Supplies on parts and maintenance for US customers and working with shows and parks in the US.
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