Carnival Booth

a cryptic puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

Puzzle
Explanation only + Answers + Grid entries
Solution grid
“Hits” in the grid include every letter of the alphabet except Q-P. When paired with “doll” and said aloud, you get a “kewpie doll” (a classic carnival prize).

Across

  • 1.
    A(PL)OMB ("Moab" anag.)
  • 6.
    F(J)ORDS
  • 11.
    CHI(MER)A
  • 12.
    O + RION (rev.)
  • 13.
    RITE ("right" hom.)
  • 14.
    COL + A
  • 15.
    F + IN + ALE
  • 16.
    S + TRUCK
  • 17.
    ZanY + DECO
  • 23.
    F(R)IEND
  • 25.
    G + HOSTS
  • 29.
    HAR(L)EM
  • 31.
    IRMA (hid.)
  • 32.
    PER + U
  • 33.
    SIENA (anag.)
  • 34.
    D(APPLE) + D
  • 35.
    HANDLE ("Handel" hom.)
  • 36.
    TAM + A(R)I

Down

  • 1.
    A(C)RES
  • 2.
    PHILTER ("filter" hom.)
  • 3.
    LIT + ER
  • 4.
    ME(XI) + CO
  • 5.
    B + RINK
  • 6.
    FAVA (hid.)
  • 7.
    J + OWLY
  • 8.
    RIOTED (anag.)
  • 9.
    DO + L + L
  • 10.
    S(NAP)ON
  • 15.
    F + USE
  • 18.
    DOrm roOM
  • 19.
    CATERER (anag.)
  • 20.
    OF + FISH
  • 21.
    AIRMEN (anag.)
  • 22.
    S(HER)PA
  • 24.
    NASAL (hid.)
  • 25.
    G(L)OAT
  • 26.
    STELA (anag.)
  • 27.
    S + AUDI
  • 28.
    A + RI + A
  • 30.
    RU(D)E