One of the best things about living in Long Beach is being a part of the city’s constant development and reinvention. February 12th marked my 5th year living in this city and I have seen it grow into a place to creatively entertain my family and friends; as well as, two rambunctious toddler nieces that totally own my heart.
It was with a profound nervousness and anxiety that I volunteered to host my two and four year old delights last summer. I was about to take on two very active little girls that were more than excited to spend a weekend with their favorite Tia, and I was looking forward to meeting some very high expectations-no pressure. I remember sitting in my office pondering over what I had to prepare for their visit, hurriedly seeking active and engaging activities that they would enjoy taking part in.
Their arrival was celebrated with a deluxe camping night in my condo living room, where we feasted on fruit roll ups, decadent treats, and an array of juices! The following day the girls joined me on my walk with Goli, enjoyed breakfast at Eggs Etc. followed by some good fun at Mother’s Beach-which they loved. We had a snack and before I knew it the little ones were down for their nap. They woke up to an appetite that demanded my attention, so we headed for dinner at Bubba Gump’s and settled their stomach with a ride on the Ferris wheel-on second thought maybe I should have done it the other way around, I am a rookie at this after all! No, nothing bad happened-the girls loved it. The Ferris wheel was the most exciting and most memorable moment during their visit-for them, and me.
As we boarded the Ferris wheel it was as if I had awakened my inner child. A strong sense of excitement and anxiety washed over me, as the little girl in me totally took over. I found myself reminiscing about the first time I took a ride on a Ferris wheel. It was “La Rueda de la Fortuna”. My sister and I were about the same ages as my nieces, we were at the “Fiesta de San Juan” in Cocori, Sonora, Mexico. I remember laughing and watching the fireworks and “el Castillo” (castle of fireworks) blowing up while people yelled with excitement. The ride with my nieces brought forth such a sense of nostalgia-the similarities were profound and kindled a warm smile on my face as I took delight in watching their pretty, little faces as they giggled, laughed, and took in the awe of the magical rainbow lights on the bridge that shared their shimmering reflection as they fell on the water. It was so much fun to be a child all over again, even in that smallest-yet most memorable moment.
I wonder if George W. Ferris knew what an everlasting affect his invention would have on generations of children from all around the world. The first Ferris wheel Mr. Ferris shared with the world showcased at the 1893 fair in Chicago. It was powered by 1,000 horsepower reversible engines, had 36 wooden carts holding 60 people and it cost 50 cents per ride.” To think we have the option of indulging in a Ferris Wheel ride right here in our own backyard.
The Ferris Wheel ride has become a tradition that I share with my niece’s everytime they visit. I invite you to take a ride of your own and create lifelong memories and family traditions in “La Rueda de la Fortuna.”
Fun Facts about the Long Beach Pike Ferris Wheel:
– It costs $2.00 per ride
– Hours of operation are M-Fri, 12:00 pm-10:00 pm;
Saturday 11:00 am- 11:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm- 10:00 pm
– No riders under the age of 18 without an adult
* Ferris Wheel Link
The Ferris Wheel in Spanish is translated as the “Wheel of Fortune.”