Gentle Giant

In 1892 an engineer named George Washington Ferris had an idea for Chicago's upcoming Columbian Exposition: a giant observation wheel that would carry passengers high above the city and bring them smoothly back down! During the course of the exposition, nearly 1.5 million people rode Dr Ferris' Giant Wheel. Now it's back! This huge giant wheel was developed in the U.S.A. with American engineering and ingenuity which is still best, however they added European style and lighting. it is truly the best of two continents.

There are 20 gondolas holding 120 adults or 160 children. It stands 150 feet high, 80 feet wide, and 50 feet deep. It is built on 3 semi-trailers that lock together and an additional semi- to carry the gingerbread. It uses 4 tractors to pull them, truly a marvel in engineering, it's hugeness yet smoothness gave it's nickname the Gentle Giant. Both sides feature light shows of 6,000 bright light bulbs. Total weight 160 tons. Total cost before it earned the first dollar on a half million dollars.

This is the ride that controls the others... when it starts moving in the morning it's time for the rest to start running and when it's close to closing time everyone watches the wheel for the lights to go out so they can shut down.