After researching the history of the Santa Monica Pier, I was fascinated by its history, in particular, its Ferris Wheel.

Since my days of growing up in the shadow of Cedar Point, I have long been a fan of amusement parks, and Ferris Wheels in particular.

With the slow ride to the top, riders are afforded unique sights and scenes like no other, and the Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier is no exception.

In May of 2008, Pacific Park revitalized the Ferris Wheel at the park. They removed the old one that since 1996, had provided over 3 million rides, and was seen in hundreds of movies, TV shows, photographs, and commercials.

Santa Monica’s new Ferris Wheel, appropriately named the Pacific Wheel, is the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.

Its 85ft high, contains over 6,000 multi-colored bulbs, and can produce 16 special effect light shows.

Interesting fact:

When Pacific Park decided to revamp the old Ferris Wheel, they didn’t just throw the old Ferris Wheel away–instead, they auctioned it off on eBay, with the bids starting at $50,000, and half of the sale proceeds given to the Special Olympics.

In its last 10 minutes of bidding, the price jumped $50,000, with a final price of $132,400.

As summer approaches, many families will be heading to their local amusement park for a day of fun, rides, food, and Travelin’ Local.

Do you like riding Ferris wheel’s? It’s a time honored American tradition. Many families have a favorite local amusement park.

Of course, when Travelin’ Local in Southern California, we have Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farms, Legoland, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and a myriad of other places to go and things to do.

I love seeing kid’s faces as they ride a Ferris Wheel for the first time; or when older people relive memories and create new ones, doing the same.

Do you have a favorite Ferris Wheel in your area? Do you have plans this summer to visit a local amusement park?