Charlie Rogers
The Man Behind the Zipper

Charlie Rogers: A Legacy in Every Spin 

When the midway is empty and the sun begins to set on a Monday evening, most people wouldn’t expect to see anyone out by the rides. The gates aren’t open, the lights aren’t spinning, and no one’s lining up for tickets. But if you look closely, you’ll see him there—steady, patient, sleeves rolled up—helping set up the fencing that will guide thousands of fairgoers safely through the ride lines in the days ahead.

That man is Charlie Rogers, and for more than two decades, he’s been a constant, quiet force behind one of the fair’s most beloved rides: The Zipper.

Charlie first started running rides with the Knights of Columbus, back when operating the Zipper was a group effort and every hand made a difference. Over the years, life changed, responsibilities shifted, and the Knights eventually stepped back from running the ride together. But Charlie? He never stopped showing up. Nobody asked him to keep coming. He simply did. Year after year, he returned—because it mattered to him.

For Charlie, it’s never been about recognition. He doesn’t wear a title or stand out in a crowd. But if you look in the right place, you’ll always find him—taking tickets with a grin, keeping a watchful eye on the controls, showing a new operator where to stand and how to listen for the rhythm of the ride. He makes sure the Zipper stays balanced and running smooth, not just because it’s a job, but because it’s a responsibility he takes personally.

It’s a rare thing these days to find someone who gives so much without asking for anything in return. But that’s who Charlie is. Whether it’s staying late to pick up trash after the last rider has gone home, or showing up early to help put the fences together before anyone else arrives, his presence is a kind of glue that holds the whole operation together.

And outside the fairgrounds? Charlie is just as dedicated in the rest of his life. He’s spent 22 years driving for Beaver Valley, logging over 500,000 miles on four different semis and now proudly driving his fifth. On weekends and evenings, you’ll often find him in his shop, hands deep in grease and determination, bringing new life to old machines. Among his favorites are a 1972 C10 Chevy and a 1972 VW Bug, which he plans to rebuild with an automatic transmission and a stronger engine.

He doesn’t talk much about what keeps him coming back. He doesn’t need to. The answer is written in every fence post he pounds on a Monday night, every ride he carefully balances, and every operator he teaches.

Charlie Rogers is more than a ride operator. He’s the man who shows up—year after year, mile after mile—because he knows that’s how good things last. And for as long as the Zipper spins, you can bet Charlie will be there, standing by its side.