Carnival glass really was given away at the carnival when it was new in the early 1900s. Not everyone liked the fact that the origin of the glass was carnival-related.
Some of the most collectible names in carnival glass today are Northwood, Millersburg, Dugan and Fenton. Fenton made the first pieces of carnival glass in 1908, but Northwood was the only company that consistently marked its wares.
Among the most highly prized and expensive carnival glass colors are red and pastels like aqua, ice blue and peach.