This post isn't really about a specific toy or something we may have owned; nonetheless, it reminds us of games we would have played when spending a fun filled day at the carnival with friends and family.

Games of chance are favorite carnival games. A random outcome gives all players the chance of winning a prize. An example of a carnival game of chance is the "Pingpong Ball and Fish Bowl", . A game like the "Duck Pond", which is geared for young children, may offer a winner every time.

Games of skill are another favorite carnival game. These games may test a players aim at hitting a target with either a ball or a weapon. Some games of this type are the "Cross Bow Shoot", the "Milk Bottle" game, or the "Balloon and Dart" game.

Other skill testing games challenge the physical abilities of the player. Examples of this type of game is the "Rope Ladder Climb" and "Ring the Bell".

The following pictures are of vintage games that were provided for play at Fête Paradiso, a festival of vintage French carnival rides, carousels and games. They will appear in New York City again next summer on Governors Island in New York City. For more information, visit FeteParadiso.com.

This game was operated by human powered wheels that when ridden on, like a bike, the mouths and arms of the puppet targets would move.  Players had the choice of playing ring toss or ball toss. — This game was operated by human powered wheels that when ridden on, like a bike, the mouths and arms of the puppet targets would move. Players had the choice of playing ring toss or ball toss.

Another french vintage ring toss game at Fete Paradiso on Governors Island in New York City.

By Melanie Ann Mercado of M Ann M Creations