<P> A traveling carnival (US English), usually simply called a carnival, or travelling funfair is an amusement show that may be made up of amusement rides, food vendors, merchandise vendors, games of chance and skill, thrill acts, and animal acts . A traveling carnival is not set up at a permanent location, like an amusement park or funfair, but is moved from place to place . Its roots are similar to the 19th century circus with both being set up in open fields near or in town and moving to a new location after a period of time . Unlike traditional carnival celebrations, the North American traveling carnival is not tied to a religious observance . </P> <P> Larger fairs such as the permanent fairs of cities and seaside resorts might be called a fairground, although technically this refers to the land where a fair is traditionally held . </P> <P> In 1893, the Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition (also called the Chicago World's Fair) was the catalyst for the development of the traveling carnival . The Chicago World's Fair had an area that included rides, games of chance, freak shows, and burlesque . After the Chicago World's Fair, traveling carnival companies began touring the United States . Due to the type of acts featured along with sometimes using dishonest business practices, the traveling carnivals were often looked down upon . </P> <P> Modern traveling carnivals usually make contracts with local governments in order to play both state and county fairs, as well as smaller venues (such as store parking lots, church bazaars, volunteer fire department fund raisers, and civic celebrations). </P>

When did the traveling carnival begin in america