A Letter from Joe
Hi, I’m Joe Lang—owner and operator of Deb’s Concessions, a business born from love, healing, and a deep desire to make people smile. Deb's concessions is named after my beautiful mother, Deborah Rouse, whose spirit continues to guide me every step of the way.
​Every time I find a penny or a dime on the ground, I know it’s a sign—a small reminder that Mom is still with me. She loved the color purple, so when it came time to build our first trailer, there was no question what color it would be. We did it all ourselves—cutting the windows, painting every inch, wiring it by hand. It wasn’t just a build—it was a journey of sweat, laughter, tears, and love. That trailer is a symbol of where I’ve been and where I’m going.
In May of 2022, I made one of the most important decisions of my life: I entered long-term recovery. Getting clean and sober gave me the strength to show up fully—not just for myself, but for my family. It gave me the chance to be there for my mom in her final days, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful. Her passing changed me, but it also lit a fire in me to do something meaningful in her honor.
​I’ve spent years around carnival events—working, learning, soaking it all in. I love everything about them. The energy. The smells. The sounds. The way kids light up when they get that bag of cotton candy. The way adults laugh like kids again. That joy is contagious, and it fuels me.
But above all, my main goal is simple: stay clean. Stay sober. Stay true to who I am so I can keep chasing this dream and honoring my mom’s memory. That’s what matters most.
I’m not doing this alone. I’m starting this adventure with my best friend and partner, Michelle. We’ve stood by each other through life’s highs and lows—through grief, uncertainty, and all the wild turns life can throw your way. She’s been my anchor and my biggest cheerleader.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Whether you’re an event planner, a festival-goer, or someone just stopping by—know that you’re part of something real.
Something built with purpose.
Something built with love.
With gratitude,
Joe Lang
Deb’s Concessions
A Note from Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle—Joe’s partner in life, business, and recovery. I help run the behind-the-scenes at Deb’s Concessions, and I’m proud to be part of something built with so much heart.
​I spent 24 years in a marriage that eventually fell apart. By 2017, life felt like a total mess. I moved to Ocala for a job and, in September 2021, I got sober. That choice saved my life.
Joe and I met at a recovery event. It wasn’t love at first sight—but friendship, respect, and support slowly turned into something more. We’ve faced a lot together, and we’ve held each other up through all of it.
When Joe shared his vision for an event trailer to honor his mom, I saw the fire in him. His love for festivals and bringing joy to people is real—and I knew I wanted in. We built the trailer side by side—cutting, painting, wiring—and I’ve been there ever since, handling the admin work, schedules, and helping grow the dream.
Deb’s Concessions is about more than snacks. It’s about second chances, healing, and building something beautiful from the hard parts of life.
Thanks for being part of this journey.
With love,
Michelle
Flavors:
• Banana
• Blue Raspberry
• Blue Cotton Candy
• Clear Cherry
• Dreamsicle
• Margarita
• Pink Cotton Candy
• Pink Lemonade
• Tigers Blood
• Tutti Frutti
• Wedding Cake
• Clear Strawberry
Why Event Organizers Love Deb’s:
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• Bright, eye-catching stand with friendly and efficient service
• Just-right portions perfect for serving large and small crowds
• Tidy setup, courteous team, and punctual every time!
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Why Event Organizers Choose Us:
• Professional appearance and welcoming service
• Fast lines and unforgettable flavors guests rave about
• Dependable scheduling and sparkling clean presentation
• Scalable setup suited to events of any size.