Joseph Skelly, the
shows founder, started Skellys Amusements in 1956. One evening on his way home from
work, he noticed a truck mounted Merry-Go-Round for sale; an idea was born. He borrowed
some money to buy the ride and soon put it to work. He would come home from his job as a
bookbinder and after a quick dinner, would drive the Merry-Go-Round through the streets of
Darby, Pennsylvania, charging 10 cents a ride. It had 8 tiny horses that he would push
around by hand while music played.
By the early 60s,
more equipment had been added and a route of church carnivals had been established. Most
of the events were in New Jersey, thus in 1965, the company moved to Pine Hill, New
Jersey.
Nearly forty years
later, Skellys Amusements is now located in Williamstown, New Jersey. Tom
OConnor and Michael Skelly own the company. It has grown to a 25-ride operation
providing fun for fairs, carnivals and festivals in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Gone are the truck mounted and gas driven rides of the past; in their place are trailer
mounted, computer controlled machines designed for intense thrill and extreme safety. The
ride operators are trained and the inspections are documented. Skellys Amusements is
committed to providing safe, fun family entertainment with the cleanest rides, game and
food concessions available. Thank you and enjoy our site.