Carnival fairs and amusement parks have always had a special place in our hearts, regardless of where we are. The highlight of any carnival fair was the amusement rides for rent. Not just the fairs, but whether it is a corporate event, an anniversary, a birthday, or any other special occasion, amusement rides for rent steal the attention of the audience.
These rides offered a chance to escape the mundane and experience the laughter and thrills. Did you know? The amusement rides have a rich history. These rides have evolved through time in design and technology. This article delves deep into the evolution of amusement rides for hire. Read on to know the details.
A Brief History of the Amusement Rides:
1. In the 18th century, a swing was the most popular ride.
2. In the 19th century, the steam engines gained the most attention.
3. In the 20th century, new technologies offered the heart-pumping thrills that we enjoy these days.
4. Let us share the details on how different rides have changed over time.
1. The Carousel Ride for Hire:
There is no denying that carousels are one of the most exciting elements of any carnival fair or amusement park. Initially, the carousels were powered manually. These rotated sedately. However, with steam power from the 1860s, they spun faster. An up and down galloping movement was introduced using the overhead cranks.
2. The Ferris Wheel – Fancy a Spin?
Did you know? The first design of the Ferris Wheel was done by George W Ferris in 1893 for the Chicago Fair. Another wheel was created at the Earl’s Court in 1894, and the Ferris wheel became popular throughout Europe. In 1896, there came the Blackpool’s Ferris wheel, and it was operational till 1928. Vienna has the Wiener Riesnerad of 1897, which can be easily said to be the star of the film The Third Man. It is still operating today.
3. Dodgem Cars, Slides and Water Chutes:
Beyond doubt, dodgem cars are one of the most sought-after elements of any carnival fair or amusement park. When it comes to amusement rides for rent, you cannot miss having a dodgem car track at the carnival fair. The first dodgem car track was invented in 1921. Later, when holiday camps started getting into Britain, dodgem cars were introduced in those camps in 1928.
Slides also became popular at fairgrounds. The first helter-skelter appeared at the beginning of the 20th century at Blackpool or Coney Island in New York.
When water is added to the mix, a water chute is created. The first one appeared in 1893. The long flumes and range of water splash rides are highly demanded among amusement rides for rent.
4. The Rollercoaster:
Speaking of the most terrifying amusement rides for hire, the rollercoaster grabs the award! It’s the largest, tallest, fastest, and longest fairground ride. The earliest version of a rollercoaster was the switchback railway. The riders had to climb to the top of the track and board a car pushed out of the station. It slid down the track with some undulations.
Like any other rollercoaster, the structure was made of wood. In 1884, American engineer LaMarcus Adna patented the design and started his first rollercoaster at Coney Island in New York the same year. Then came the side-friction rollercoaster, where the cars effectively ran on tracks within a trough to stop them from getting off track on bends.
In 1912, the under-friction system was followed. This system had wheels beneath the car that held it to the underside of the track. With this system, it was possible to reach new heights and higher speeds. The modern version of this technology holds the cars firmly to the tracks, allowing breath-taking and heart-stopping roller coasters.
In Conclusion:
There is no denying that amusement rides for rent and their evolution are a testament to human creativity and innovation. From their humble beginnings as simple mechanical rides in the 19th century to the extraordinary attractions offering visitors unforgettable experiences, amusement rides for rent have come a long way. They continue to grab our attention and imagination, offering the perfect blend of thrill and wonder.
