what is the meaning of the underlined sentence?

[Eartha]

Since the current recession began, it has become even more obvious that TANF is not responsive to the real level of need. The number of people receiving food stamps, to which there is a statutory right, now exceeds thirty-three million, while the number receiving TANF has remained stuck at around four million. The numbers have increased somewhat in some states in recent months, but even a 25 percent average increase nationwide would bring the total caseload up to something like five million. And there are states where an eligibility administrator will routinely approve an application for food stamps and just as routinely turn away the same person's application for TANF. A sideshow barker might say, "Step right up, step right up. Only a nickel to see the incredible shrinking TANF program."

Deal all,

What is meaning of the underlined sentence?

What is "sideshow barker"?

Thanks in advance.

[xpert]

Step right up is usually said by a person - a barker - to come right to where he is.

Sideshow: a small show or entertainment offered in conjunction with a larger attraction.

A barker is a person who stands at a show, fair booth, etc., and loudly addresses passers-by to attract customer.

In a nutshell, the barker is trying to attract the passers-by to the circus show.

[Eartha]

Thank you for your explanation.

But I am still wondering...

what's the meaning of "Only a nickel to see "?

I kew that "nickel" is a coin in U.S., but does it have any special meaning here?

Thanks.

[Linguist__]

"Only a nickel to see" could be rephrased as "It will only cost you one nickel to see [the slideshow]". He is telling the passers-by how much it costs to watch the slideshow.