Reprise, because the countdown to Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair time has begun! Yes, there are games of chance at the fair, but most would agree that everyone’s a winner with the fair and its cache of memories for any area-raised kid. Spin …

“Round and round she goes; and, where she stops, nobody knows.”

That usual was the sing-song mantra echoed through the grounds of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair back in the day. It was emanating from the guys manning the game of chance booths that still line the grounds — the loud ticking of the wheel with the spin, numbers going round and round, fingers crossed, breath held … until they stopped on that winning number. “Aaaaaand we have a WINNER!” Woohoo!

Oh, and the winnings have been different every era. Back in the 1960s there were kewpie dolls. Remember those gems? There were, and still are, stuffed animals. Though the ilk of stuffed animals back in the day was a lot different. There seemed to be a lot of dogs. Either that or that’s what this little Fair Haven fair goer and worker wanted to win — and did.

Then there were what they nick-named the “big booths” — those with big ticket prizes, like hefty tube TVs, small appliances and housewares. Everyone tried valiantly to win the TVs. No one would want those clunkers now. It took a hand truck to get them out of the booth and to the winner’s car. And they were black-and-white. True story.

Then, there was the cigarette booth. Yes, the wheel was spun all night long to offer the winnings of cartons of cigarettes. Truth. And that booth was packed with puffers. It still is, but people huffing and puffing to place their bets for a hearty spin to land them some cash winnings rather than a bunch of Marlboros.

The booth in the featured photo, likely from back in the 1960s was manned by … take your guess. Outfitted with his fire company hat and all, folks were lined up, placing bets on the numbers with their change for a mod lamp or some other groovy home decor stuff. And, it looks like there were Miller High Life mugs, too. Either that, or someone’s just having a Miller himself to go along with that spin.

So, what was your most sought-after wheel of chance prize? Kewpie doll? TV? Hmmmm … What did the booths offer years ago that you wish would return? Do tell. Best winning?

Take a spin and tell us about your most winning fair moment.

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