On the Job: Trimper’s Rides

that i used to ask my parents to go to “trimpers” in other states. and…this week on the job 47 abc’s michelle mackonochie heads to trimpers – for a closer look at how it all works. “today were at trimpers rides in ocean city where i’m actually going to get to run some rides and i’m also going to get to make some cotton candy which is my favorite. i’m so excited so let’s go.” track 1 located in beautiful ocean city — trimpers rides is at the beginning of the pier and is the oldest family owned amusement park in the world. and today – they’ve hired me to help run a few operations at the park. first up — meeting operations manager – brooks trimper. “what are we going to be doing today – oh we have a great day planned here for you at trimpers were going to get a little ride operating going were going to get to make some cotton candy and you’re going to get to call one of our boardwalk games you’re going to get to call a race – ok i’m so excited i love amusement parks i mean who doesn’t love rides and cotton candy and games right – thats right” “before we get started we need to put you in uniform – ok.” “ok im going to go put this on and then we can get to it – alright.” track 2 as soon as i was dressed the part — it was time for our first job – operating the endeavor. and head supervisor of the ride — sean donovan – was going to show me how it worked. “so theres a lot of buttons here but everything’s marked right – yes – so it shouldn’t be too confusing right – no not at all.” track 3 but lets be honest – i’m a newbie. “close – just turn it and let it go – no you hit open – oh i hit open – close – let it go.” track 4 next — corey jones – another ride operator for the endeavor — was going to show me how to lock everyone in to the ride. “ok so we’ve got all the kids here what’s the next step – once you get everyone loaded on you come about right here so they can see you and you put your thumbs up oh you put your thumbs up so he can see that everyone’s sitting – yes – got it – and then you close the lap bars – ok.” buttsot “then once their all locked in check pull it – ok so we have to pull this up – you’re locked in you’re not going anywhere.” “you’re good – have to check this for you – and she’s good.” track 5 and after the final thumbs up — away they go! after about 3 minutes — the ride is done. “did you guys have fun – it looked fun – ok theres a release here – ok so now we’ve got to unhook everybody – yeah just push the button just like a car seat belt – alright just like a car seat you’re just going to push this and you are good to go.” track 6 next — it was off to the races! well – at least to emcee the horse race game. guy graham – who runs all the games — says the game has been there since the late 70’s and people come from all over the country – just to play it. “ok so what’s the first thing that we have to do – ok so this is a race game so its two players or more.” “and they’re going to roll the balls into the slots and they’re going to roll one ball at a time on top of the green aiming for yellow blue or red.” “yellow balls worth 1 point blues worth 2 points reds worth 3 points – the more points they get the further the horse travels.” track 7 and the first horse to reach the end wins! “alright you ready – on a count to three – one two three – alright number seven is in the lead – come on guys – number five is catching up.” “everybody’s catching up.” “oh here goes number 6 – oh we have a winner – number 7.” “awesome job guys everyone did awesome but of course we have a winner and it’s number 7.” track 8 and on to our final job of the day — cotton candy making! robert redel is nothing short of a professional cotton candy maker. he’s been doing it for 25 years! “alright so what’s the first step here – this looks like a very big machine – its ok – first one is i’ve got some controls here – this one here turns it on.” track 9 robert says he has a secret that prevents the cotton candy from sticking to your hands and your arms. “my secret ingredient is pam spray — you just spray it on your hand – and it wont stick.” track 10 shocked – is an understatement. robert says another trick — is to wet the paper stick so the cotton candy doesn’t slide off after watching robert spin a few — it was my turn and my first attempt was less than perfect. “i think i’m doing it wrong.” track 11 and after a little help – we had one! “now the trick is get it in the bag – get it in the bag oh boy how are we going to fit this in a bag – turn – turn it as you put it in.” “is that good – yeah – its my first bag of cotton candy – her first one alright – one down 100 to go – maybe 200 – maybe 200.” track 12 after a few more i was actually getting good at it! “good job – thank you – ill retire now.” track 13 and finally my job was done. “ok so how did i do today – you did a great job – on the endeavor you did a perfect job.” “out there on the game the kids had a great time everything looked pretty good and id say making cotton candy – other than the little bit you have in your hair – i have a little bit in my hair – i think you did well.” “well i had so much fun and i think the last thing were going to do is ride the endeavor.” “thank you so much for having us – good luck on the endeavor – thank you oh my gosh i’m scared.” track 14 well here goes nothing. “oh no i don’t like it i don’t think i like it.” “screaming” “how was it – that was really scary – but that was fun it was fun it was fun i just held on for dear life but it was fun.” track 15 michelle mackonochie 47 abc. she looks like she had a lot of fun! next week – michelle heads up to i-l-c dover to see first hand how they break in the suits for nasa astrounauts – so be sure to tune in for that! remember if you would like to be featured on the job – you can do so by emailing michelle and we have that link on our website 47 abc dot com. coming up after the break – the nationals were looking for