Site logo
About the Company

Ray Guthrie was bitten with the carnival bug early in life.  He and his four brothers grew up in Middlesboro, a sleepy little town in southeastern Kentucky.

“The fair used to come to town once a year and our house was only a block away.  We’d lie awake at night and listen to the midway and ride sounds.  We were always intrigued by the carnival.”

After Ray graduated from Lincoln Memorial University he hit the road and partnered with his brother Pat in Guthrie Shows.

After five years, Pat started a three-ring circus and Ray formed Derby State Shows.  Ray’s new show played fairs and festivals throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Georgia.

In 1985 Ray formed a second show called “Peachtree Rides”.  Based in Atlanta, Peachtree Rides operates around Atlanta and North Georgia also playing fairs and festivals.  The company has expanded to become a full midway with spectacular rides, game concessions and mouth-watering fair food.  The premier event for Peachtree Rides is the Atlanta Fair at Turner Field, which consists of some 50 plus rides and attractions for the largest fair in the city of Atlanta.

Bill Ward (General Manager) handles all the daily duties of operating the show along making repairs and refurbishing the equipment at the shows shop (“winter quarters”) in Atlanta.  Bill began his career at the age of 18 working on carnival midways in various capacities.  Later he continued furthering his career with Sellner Manufacturing (makers of the Tilt-a-Whirl).

Print Company
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies.

Job Quick Search

Share