GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Bay Beach Amusement Park’s newest ride took its first riders for a spin Tuesday evening.
The “Big Wheel’s” debut was exclusive to people who bought a special $50 ticket.
Don’t worry, it won’t always be that price to ride. The $50 price-tag acted as a donation for the park’s fundraising group, the Friends of Bay Beach.
As tall as a 10-story building, the view atop the Big Wheel is tough to top, according to those who were first to ride it.
“Heights are not my thing, but we got up there and a little nervous at first, but I got going and I really enjoyed it,” said Scott Cooper of Green Bay.
“You get up there, you can see forever,” said Bob Hilgers of Peshtigo. “Nice breeze, nice and cool, because it’s hot down here. You get up there..and it’s nice and steady.”
The Friends of Bay Beach made the decision two years ago to donate $2.1 million to bring the wheel to the park.
Sally Kiefer, a committee member for the Friends of Bay Beach, tells FOX 11 it’s a proud moment.
“It’s the tallest Ferris wheel in the state of Wisconsin. It’s absolutely amazing and it has a handicap gondola, so of all the rides in the park, this one is for everyone.”
With anticipation for the ride as high as the views, the Friends of Bay Beach sold $50 tickets to be one of the first riders. That price came with a t-shirt, food, and a commemorative photo and ticket.
“We’re bringing in attractions and rides that people love and just making it more exciting,” said Kiefer. “It will help withstand the park for the next 25, 50 years.”
The early reviews for the Big Wheel put it as a park favorite, just behind or slightly ahead of the Zippin Pippin roller coaster.
“I would say number one,” said Beth Cooper of Green Bay.
“That’s more like a thrill ride, I guess,” said Joe Hilgers of Black Creek of the Zippin Pippin. “This one’s (Big Wheel) more just sit back, relax, and just enjoy the view, the breeze, and whatever else.”
A little landscaping work is going to be done before the Big Wheel opens for the public Thursday morning That is when you can start riding it for what will be its usual price of 75 cents.
Also, the original Ferris wheel is not going anywhere, it will still be in operation at Bay Beach.
