Superior Equipment

In 1949 Frank Westphal purchased a bingo tent and traveled throughout the Midwest operating at county fairs. He later purchased other games, rides and food concessions and with the help of his family, created Westphal Amusements. Frank’s son Nelson branched off in 1984 with his wife Darlene and their three children to start Westphal’s Star Amusements. Frank Sr. and later his son Frank Jr. continued to operate Westphal Amusements together until Frank Sr. passed away in April of 2009. Frank Sr. contimued to play dates in Iowa and Illinois.

After 16 years, Nelson stepped down due to health reasons. His daughter Stephanie and fiance Shawn Exum, both third generation in the carnival industry, took over everyday operations. The business continued to have the original goals and to live up to the expectations that had been passed down. Nelson continued to travel and work until he lost his battle with cancer in March of 2004.

Westphal’s Star Amusements was later named Superior Equipment Carnival Company and a corporation was formed. Together, Shawn and Stephanie, Darlene and daughter Madison, continued to operate the old-fashioned way. We believe in quality, affordability and reliability. The family still owns and operates most of the equipment on the midway and is present at each event. We believe our operation and our equipment to be Superior and look forward to proving it.