I've just returned from a regional fair and have seen the light!
An apple orchard had a booth and in addition to selling all manner of fried apple, they had one fellow standing in front of an apple peeler/corer/slicer with kids standing in line to pay $3 per apple slinky.
I think the novelty was at least 50% of it. Imagine kids clamoring to get something good for them.....
On Amazon the things cost under $25, so payback is fast (assuming you don't already have one). Maybe I need to start hitting the local festivals......