March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Whimsical Wheeling Celebrations!

Happy Birthday, Santa Monica Ferris wheel!

Santa Monica’s iconic Ferris wheel spearheaded a day of celebrations Thursday, June, 21, as the invention of the Ferris wheel itself marked its 125th birthday.

Santa Monica Pier hosted a day of fabulously fun events including free Ferris wheel rides, entertainment and loads of laughter.

Photo: Courtesy. Santa Monica’s iconic Ferris wheel spearheaded a day of celebrations Thursday, June, 21, as the invention of the Ferris wheel itself marked its 125th birthday.

“This was a terrific celebration and excellent partnership with Chicago’s Navy Pier as we joined together to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the iconic invention that connects us both: The Ferris wheel,” explained Nathan Smithson, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.

The Ferris wheel was designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago on June 21, 1893. One hundred and twenty-five years later, Chicago, home of the original Ferris Wheel, and Santa Monica, home of the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel, teamed up to honor the ingenuity and foresight of the late George Ferris Jr.’s creation.

“Today, the Ferris wheel has a nostalgic appeal and most people have tremendously fond memories of their rides on a Ferris wheel,” Smithson said. “This was a great opportunity for people to enjoy a truly American achievement.” Pacific Park offered 1,893 free rides in acknowledgement of the wheel’s year of birth.

Photo: Morgan Genser.

Smithson said that there is something truly authentic about riding a Ferris wheel; the appeal drawing young and old, and adding a romantic appeal to many. The wheel has been listed as one of the most romantic places in Los Angeles.

In true Santa Monica-style, the Pier’s Ferris wheel is the world’s first and only solar-powered Wheel. “The eco-friendly, enhanced 174,000 LED lights provide 81 percent greater energy savings than most Ferris wheel’s traditional incandescent bulbs. Its green history and reputation continues to be an inspiration to others worldwide and here at home,” Smithson added.

The celebration, falling on Summer Solstice also set the scene for an entertaining summer season at Pacific Park.

“We’ll host thousands of guests throughout the summer and then we have an exciting national competition taking place at Pacific Park in October that we’ll be sharing all the details in the coming weeks. We will also be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Ferris wheel’s solar-power application in November. And, then, of course we move right into the holiday festivities,” Smithson said.

in News
Related Posts

Customers at These Palisades Stores Can Get Cash Rewards for Sharing Their Experience

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Thumzup is Starting its L.A. Footprint Expansion with Pacific Palisades Thumzup, a company which aims to democratize the social media...

Homeless Man Sentenced to State Prison for Crimes Against Homeless Women

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Man Pleads No Contest to Series of Sexual Assaults Anthony Pittman, currently homeless, has pled no contest to a series...

(Video) Series A Coffee Now Open in Beverly Hills at 8328 Wilshire Blvd

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Located in the space that formerly housed a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Try the Black Pearl Iced Coffee. @smmirrornews...

Los Angeles County Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow, and Possible Thunderstorms Over Weekend

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

National Weather Service Issues Alerts for Flooding and Possible Tornado  According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service...

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....