07/09/2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dale Merriam this July 4th at the age of 86. To say that Dale affected the lives of many is an understatement. Always the gentleman, Dale was a very kind, wise and good natured human being.
Raised in Ogden, Iowa, he traveled the carnival his Grandfather founded and drove the engine of the kiddie train his Grandfather built. Later, while running his first concession, he met the love of his life Alicia as she was passing out cheese samples at the Pine Island Cheese Festival. After graduating from Iowa State, they married and settled in Tempe, Arizona where Dale ran the computer center at ASU. He later received his PhD in industrial engineering which earned him the nickname “Doc” by many in the carnival industry.
After his parents retired, Dale took over the reigns of Merriam’s Midway Shows in 1974 and he and Alicia raised their 3 children, Todd, Tom and Trissa on the show.
His love for life on the road was reflected in so many traditions. The Gene Autry song, “Back In The Saddle Again” was played everyday on the Carousel to open the show. A sign that often hung on the office window read “we are opening CHOHW!” (Come Hell Or High Water)
His calm demeanor and favorite saying of “things always have a way of working themselves out” solved many problems before they even began. And any obstacle that did come his way was overcome with “the show must go on.”
Dale will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by so many.
On to the next spot.
