“The Carnival King” of Canada, Patty Conklin
On my walk through Glendale Memorial Gardens in Rexdale, I came across the final resting place of Canada’s great “Carnival King” — James Wesley “Patty” Conklin.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1906, Patty Conklin got his start in show business selling peanuts at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. He spent over two decades traveling with carnivals across North America, learning every aspect of the trade.
His big break came in 1937, when he won the coveted midway contract at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto. The deal marked a turning point—allowing Conklin to invest in permanent rides at the CNE, including the legendary Mighty Flyer, a rickety old wooden roller coaster remembered fondly by generations.
With the success of Conklin Shows, Patty expanded further, winning major contracts with the Calgary Stampede and Pacific National Exhibition. By then, Patty Conklin had become one of the most successful entertainment entrepreneurs in Canada.
From a modest $3,300 inheritance following his father’s death at age 21, Conklin built an entertainment empire—“The World’s Finest Shows”—which continues today, headquartered in Brantford, Ontario and still operated by the Conklin family. His carnivals have appeared across Canada and the U.S., including Niagara Falls and, of course, every summer at Toronto’s CNE.
A remarkable Canadian success story built on grit, vision, and a flair for fun.
Patty Conklin died in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1970 at the age of 78.
1892-1970
Patty Conklin is buried at Glendale Cemetery in Rexdale, Ontario in the Showman’s Rest plot. He is buried along with fellow carnival workers and performers.
