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The original Ferris wheel was designed and built by George Ferris for the 1893 World’s Fair. It was a remarkable engineering feat for its time, however, it was later dismantled. The concept of a Ferris wheel has since evolved, and these iconic rides can be found in amusement parks and fairs worldwide. A great way to spend Valentine’s Day is taking a slooow ride on a Ferris Wheel. That’s why we celebrate National FERRIS WHEEL Day on the 14th Day in February.
The notion of the Ferris wheel came from George Washington Gale Ferris Jr, a 33-year-old engineer inspired after watching a water wheel in action. He proposed the idea as a response to a design challenge for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The challenge was to create a large-scale attraction that could rival the Eiffel Tower, which had been a sensation at the 1889 Paris Exposition.
Daniel Burnham, a respected architect and city planner in his own right, was in charge of finding the team to make that happen. Burnham initially rejected all ideas as he deemed them unsafe. Ferris was determined not to give up and raised $400,000 to build his giant bicycle wheel floating in the sky.
Ferris was granted the opportunity to design the colossal wheel, which he named the “Chicago Wheel”. It took him less than six months to complete the steam-driven engineering marvel for its time. Standing 264 feet (80.5 feet) tall with a wheel diameter of 250 feet (76.2 meters) on a 45-ton axle, the wheel had 36 cars, each of which could carry up to 60 people. That’s 2,160 people in one trip!
When the Chicago Wheel made its debut at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, it was a massive success. Ferris, his wife, and the Mayor of Chicago were the first to ride while a 40-piece band played in the distance. The wheel offered breathtaking views of the city and the fairgrounds, and quickly became a symbol of the event. It was a significant engineering achievement and a marvel of its era. In fact, 1 million people took a spin in just over four months before the fair opened.
Although the original Chicago Wheel was dismantled in 1894, it left a lasting impact. It inspired the construction of similar giant wheels worldwide, and the term “Ferris wheel” became synonymous with this type of amusement ride. Sadly Ferris passed away two years later back at home in Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania at the age of 37. He died penniless after getting into a legal fight with the Fair’s organizers even though his invention brought in over $726,000!!
Over the years, Ferris wheels continued to evolve in design and engineering. They’re always featured in countless amusement & theme parks or fairgrounds. Smaller, portable versions were created for traveling carnivals and fairs.
There are various types of Ferris wheels, including observation wheels, which are often used for sightseeing around a city or landscape. Traditional amusement park Ferris wheels provide a more thrilling ride experience by going faster or rocking back and forth like the 1920 Deno’s Wonder Wheel on Coney Island.
Modern Ferris wheels like the Ain Dubai, Singapore Flyer, London Eye, and the High Roller in Las Vegas have reached new heights and offer even more spectacular views than their predecessors. They’ve become iconic landmarks in their own right.
The Ferris wheel also found its way into popular culture, appearing in movies, literature, and art. We associate it with romance and adventure, making it a popular choice for proposals and special occasions.
Today, the Ferris wheel stands as a symbol of fun, excitement, and nostalgia, and it continues to be a beloved attraction at amusement parks and fairgrounds worldwide. Its history reflects the spirit of innovation and the pursuit of creating memorable and thrilling experiences for people of all ages.
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on National FERRIS WHEEL Day!
Spend the day at an amusement park that features a Ferris wheel. Enjoy rides, games, and tasty fair/park food while taking a spin on the Ferris wheel. Many amusement parks have special promotions on this day.
If you’re looking for a romantic celebration, consider a Ferris wheel ride at sunset with your partner. It’s a great setting for a special moment or a proposal. Missouri’s City Museum has a vintage “Big Eli” Ferris wheel on the rooftop, dating back to 1940. The museum acquired it from a traveling circus and today offers some of the most spectacular city views of St Louis.
If you don’t have an amusement park nearby, consider organizing an outing with friends or family to a location that has a portable Ferris wheel, such as a local fair or carnival. And if you’re near a famous Ferris wheel, like the London Eye, Singapore Flyer, Las Vegas High Roller, Ain Dubai, or The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando FL, plan a visit and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Watch movies or TV shows that feature Ferris wheels in memorable scenes. Classics like “The Great Gatsby” and “The Third Man” or contemporary films like “The Fault in Our Stars” and “The Notebook” include Ferris wheel moments.
Explore the history of the Ferris wheel with documentaries, books, or online resources. Share interesting facts with friends and family.
Use social media posts with the hashtags #NationalFerrisWheelDay, #FerrisWheel, #SpecialInterestHolidays, #FebruaryHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ National FERRIS WHEEL Day.
American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who escaped slavery and became a leading figure in the abolitionist movement. He’s one of the reasons we celebrate BLACK HISTORY Month and is the most photographed American of the 19th century. Born 1818.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS Quote
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”
American comedian and actor best known for his radio and television vaudeville shows, including “The Jack Benny Program”. Born 1894.
JACK BENNY Quote
“Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
British actor, comedian, and writer best known for his roles in the “Cornetto Trilogy” (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End), Scotty in the Star Trek reboot, and Benji in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Born 1970.
SIMON PEGG Quote
“If you’re sad today, just remember the world is over 4 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie.”
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 14 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | February 14 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | February 14 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 14 | Saturday |
| 2027 | February 14 | Sunday |
Ferris wheels appeal to our sense of adventure, wonder, and nostalgia while offering a gentle yet exhilarating ride. They provide a unique combination of excitement, relaxation, and awe-inspiring views, making them a beloved and enduring attraction for people of all ages. We get a sense of adventure and a unique perspective as they carry us to new heights while we enjoy panoramic views.
Ferris wheels are known for their safety. They offer a thrill without the intensity or potential fear associated with some other amusement park rides, making them more accessible to a broad audience.
It encourages imagination and creativity. By celebrating this imaginative holiday, people can express their enthusiasm for the whimsical and fun aspect of Ferris wheels.
On this day, we can appreciate the incredible engineering feats behind Ferris wheels marking a significant milestone in the world of engineering and amusements. George Washington Gale Ferris Jr’s original creation in 1893 was a groundbreaking marvel of its time. Recognizing National FERRIS WHEEL Day gives us a chance to acknowledge the ingenuity and innovation that brought these towering wheels to life.
National FERRIS WHEEL Day reminds us to rekindle our childlike wonder and assume the imaginative spirit that Ferris wheels inspire. It’s a day to let go of our worries and embrace the whimsy and thrill that these remarkable structures offer. Whether we’re adults or children, Ferris wheels have a unique ability to transport us to a world of fun and imagination.
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