Riding the Sky Wheel: Revisited

I wrote this entry many years ago and decided to revisit it, add a little bit more insight as well as throw a couple of new experiences into the article.

A well-known fact about me: I am terrified of heights. Another well-known fact: I love carnivals. And, perhaps the most surprising fact: my favorite ride of all time is the Sky Wheel, better known to the general public as the Double Ferris Wheel.

My first memory of the ride dates back to the late '70s when Century 21 Shows booked the massive Space Wheels owned by Royal American Shows to play at the Greater Gulf State Fair in Mobile, AL. The Space Wheels are two Sky Wheel units sharing a center support. That was the only time I saw and rode the Space Wheels, until 40 years later when Drew Expo brought it back out, newly refurbished at the North Georgia State Fair. Though it was slowed down quite a lot, it was still great to be able to see it and ride it again. After that, the Sky Wheel became a regular staple on the midways of fairs in Mobile and Pensacola until the mid-1990s. Due to the size and the rising costs and difficulty of obtaining replacement parts, many shows have opted to retire the ride.

Having seen the Sky Wheel at every fair I attended as a kid, I feel let down when I visit a large fair without one. A few midway operators understand the appeal of the ride among enthusiasts and have taken the initiative to refurbish some of the older wheels and bring them back out. There are currently about 10 Sky Wheels on the road, and 4 have made it to Georgia fairs that I've attended over the past 10 years.

What's so great about the ride? You might say it's just a ferris wheel. Think again. It's actually a thrill ride disguised as a gentle giant. If you're lucky enough to sit in the "over the top" seat on either end of the wheel, you will experience an elevator drop that tips your seat so you're facing the sky from the top until you make it to the bottom of the rotation. And before you know it, you're back at the top, doing it all over again.

The ride has been manufactured by three companies: it began with the Valare Brothers before the rights were acquired by the Allan Herschell company, and then Chance Rides after they purchased the assets of Allan Herschell, continuing to build these giants of the midway until the early 1980s. It stands just short of 80 feet, usually dwarfing the rest of the midway. With 8 seats on each wheel, its capacity is 48 adults per ride cycle. Check out the video link of my 2011 Sky Wheel on-ride experience to get an idea of what it's really like. If you ever find yourself on a midway with one of these guys, be sure to check it out for yourself and you'll understand why it's known as "The King of the Midway."

Carnival Thrills and Fairground Nostalgia: 1992, the year Reithoffer took over the Pensacola Interstate Fair

Reithoffer's Kroon Dutch Wheel

Back in October 1992, I briefly returned from New York after spending a year hitting up Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Coney Island. To be honest, I was a bit jaded and felt like no fair could compare to those experiences, even though I'd always loved fairs. The buzz around the Pensacola Interstate Fair that year was off the charts, especially with WEAR-3 showcasing Reithoffer Shows rolling into town for the first time. The fair was set to run from October 22 through October 31. My parents had split up, so I was staying with my mom, but my dad came in from Mobile, and we met up with my sister and brother-in-law at the fair. Reithoffer was like a carnival on steroids, with rides and attractions straight out of a dream, some even featured in the film "BIG". As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a sea of bright colors, the irresistible smell of fair food, and the sound of excited screams from the rides. It was sensory overload in the best way possible.

In previous years, Goodings Million Dollar Midways had the contract, claiming 85 rides and attractions, but with Reithoffer, there were over 120. After a closer look, it turned out there were around 45 rides in past years, and with the new contract, there were about 60 rides. The higher numbers included games, food, and other fairgoer interests. The rides are the heart of the fair, with the Kroon Dutch Wheel on one end and the Sky Wheel (aka Double Ferris Wheel) towering over everything on the other end, both offering breathtaking views of the fairgrounds and the city beyond. The lineup was a good mix of kiddie, family, and adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. Reithoffer owned most of the rides but also booked some from other carnival companies. Unlike Goodings' lineup, everything on the midway looked well-kept and clean. An old ride that had never appeared at the fair before, the Bayren Kurve, became one of my favorites that year, unfortunately it never made another appearance. Classics like the Enterprise, Sky Diver, Tilt-a-Whirl, Spider, Zipper, Kamikaze, and a similar ride called the Tomahawk were also present. The Tilt-a-Whirl and Spider were regular fixtures, spinning riders in every direction and leaving them dizzy. I learned my lesson the first time I rode them: never again. The Zipper had been a favorite for many years, and I often rode it alone at Coney Island despite the no single rider rule. This one was much more colorful than the Coney Island version.

For those preferring more leisurely rides, there was a carousel with beautifully painted horses, a smaller ferris wheel called the Aristocrat Wheel, a Round Up, and a couple of Gravitrons. Another new ride to the fair that year was the Huss Rainbow, a regular fixture at the Mobile fair and one of my favorites. It’s very rare in the US now, and despite the movement, it was huge, smooth, and didn’t involve restrictive restraints. Reithoffer seemed genuinely proud of their equipment, with almost all rides featuring signage with stats and insights about their origin. This added a special touch, making typical rides on this midway feel unique. Reithoffer showcased a Himalaya from France, a German-built ride called the Raupen Bahn with a canopy that covered the seats, and another German ride called See Sturm Bahn, which had boat-shaped cars that spun on their own during the ride cycle as well as a decorative water feature in the center. Compared to previous years, Reithoffer offered substance and power, with fewer filler attractions like funhouses, dark rides, and mirror mazes, though they did have a few. Game booths lined the paths, offering chances to win giant stuffed animals or quirky prizes. The 4-H animals were a hit with families, allowing kids to get up close and personal with friendly goats, sheep, and even llamas. I noticed fewer freak shows compared to previous years, but there was still one set up at the corner of the midway. I never really took an interest in freak shows, thinking it was rude to stare at people with defects. The food was impossible to resist, with corn dogs, Polish and Italian sausages, carnival pizza, funnel cakes, giant turkey legs, candy apples, and cotton candy. Reithoffer Shows didn't just bring rides and games; they brought a sense of excitement and wonder, creating an atmosphere that was magical and unforgettable. The debut of Reithoffer Shows at the Pensacola Interstate Fair was a game-changer, setting the bar high for future fairs and leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next year's extravaganza. For those who were there, it was an unforgettable experience that left cherished memories and a sense of community. Thirty-one years later, they still hold that contract.