By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Traveling the country from February to November is not the life for everyone, but for two Texas men, it is the only life they have known or want.

“I love it. I get to meet lots of people and see lots of smiling faces,” said Ricky Moore, owner of Moore Greater Shows Carnival, as he and his crew of 70 began set-up Tuesday in front of The Mall at Hays.

Ricky Moore is a third-generation owner of Moore Greater Shows Carnivals, started by his grandfather in the 1930s.

Show manager Richard Wells is Moore’s childhood friend and also comes from a long line of carnival show people, as his grandfather and father also owned a carnival that started in 1929.

Wells said he and Moore met when they were kids via the carnival life.

“Then we got old,” Wells laughed.

According to Moore, the experience is a plus, as he and his crew inspect the rides daily to provide a safe and fun experience for all ages.

Both men said the carnival life is interesting, with a lot of “characters” met along the way.

“Nothing like it. … I get to see a lot of stuff — some not so good and some good,” Wells laughed, adding he is glad to be in Hays. “Seems like there are a lot of nice people.”

Opening night for Moore Greater Shows Carnival is at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Moore said Thursday is “Buddy Night,” where patrons can buy one wristband “and a friend rides free.”

The carnival will be in town through Saturday.