Boulder Frequently Features Ferris’ Wheels: Famous Cities Everywhere Join In
Of course the honor is again Boulder’s! The oldest County Fair in Colorado dates back to 1869. To cool us down let’s chat about Ferris’s Wheel. since they are so cool and fascinating! Our County Fair pre-dates Ferris’s Wheel by almost 30 years. Since then the wonderful wheels have appeared sporadically in the County.
Ferris’s Wheel Towers Over the Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Boulder County has had Ferris wheels primarily during local fairs and festivals. Notably, the Boulder County Fair, which is the oldest fair in Colorado, has often featured a Ferris wheel among its attractions. The fair dates back to 1869 and has been a significant annual event for the community, providing entertainment and rides, including the Ferris wheel, for many years.
Additionally, temporary Ferris wheels may appear during other local events and festivals, adding to the festive atmosphere and providing fun for residents and visitors alike. However, there isn’t a permanent ferris wheel installation in Boulder County; they are usually part of traveling amusement rides that come with fairs and carnivals.
The Ferris wheel has an interesting history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was invented by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., an American civil engineer, for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The wheel was designed to rival the Eiffel Tower, which had been the centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris.
Ferris’s wheel was an engineering marvel of its time. It stood 264 feet tall and had 36 cars, each capable of holding up to 60 people. The structure was made of steel, a relatively new material for such large constructions, and it showcased the possibilities of modern engineering and design.
The original Ferris wheel was dismantled and moved to different locations after the exposition, including the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. However, it was eventually scrapped in 1906.
Since then, Ferris wheels have become a staple of amusement parks worldwide, with many modern versions significantly larger and more sophisticated than the original. Notable examples include the London Eye, which opened in 2000 and stands 443 feet tall, and the High Roller in Las Vegas, which opened in 2014 and is currently the tallest Ferris wheel in the world at 550 feet.
Ferris wheels continue to be popular attractions, providing panoramic views and a unique experience for visitors, maintaining the legacy of George Ferris’s innovative design.
County Fairs Frequently Feature Ferris Wheels
Today we find Ferris’s Wheel everywhere from Navy Pier in Chicago, where it is a great hit and attraction, to London right on the Thames, to Las Vegas where the cars hold perhaps two dozen people in a crowd. All provide views showing off the cities over which they tower. Try the Vegas Wheel at twilight for the best photo ops!
Boulderites are known for their curiosity and for their travel. Where are the most famous wheels found? In every location they present unique and spectacular views of the world’s most famous cities.
For a partial list of your next vacation dreams, try these! Notice that many are located on waterways. Las Vegas is a notable exception!
London Eye (United Kingdom): Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, it offers stunning views of London, including landmarks like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Singapore Flyer (Singapore): One of the world’s tallest Ferris wheels, it provides panoramic views of the city skyline, Marina Bay, and even parts of Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days.
High Roller (Las Vegas, USA): Located on the Las Vegas Strip, it is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world, offering views of the city’s vibrant lights and landmarks.
Navy Pier Ferris Wheel (Chicago, USA): Situated on Navy Pier, it provides scenic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
Tianjin Eye (China): Built on a bridge over the Hai River, this Ferris wheel offers unique views of Tianjin city.
Melbourne Star (Australia): Located in the Docklands area, it provides a 360-degree view of Melbourne and its surroundings.
Riesenrad (Vienna, Austria): A historic Ferris wheel in the Prater amusement park, offering views of Vienna and its landmarks.
Luna Park Ferris Wheel (Sydney, Australia): Located in the historic Luna Park, it offers views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Ain Dubai (Dubai, UAE): The tallest Ferris wheel in the world, located on Bluewaters Island, offers spectacular views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
The Star of Nanchang (China): One of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world, located in Nanchang, it offers views of the surrounding area.
These Ferris wheels are popular tourist attractions, offering unique perspectives of their respective cities and iconic landmarks. Much like a Colorado ski lift in the winter, Ferris’s Wheel’s enable us to see impossible views from places which would be inaccessible to most if we had to walk. Whether it is the top of the mountain or the top of the city, height has always fascinated humans. Ferris’s Wheels take us there in the greatest of ease and comfort.
For the best book ever written involving a giant wheel, read [SPOILER ALERT!] “The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America” by Erik Larson. This book intertwines the true story of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago with the story of Dr. H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who lured his victims to their deaths during the fair. The story is compelling, true, and is a shockingly great read! Highest recommendations!
Lenny Lensworth Frieling
Shared Knowledge Is Power!
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