Fond Ferris Wheel Memories

One of the casualties of Tuesday's big storm in Tulsa was the Ferris wheel at Bell's Amusement Park. It has been the source of many memories over the years. <br/><br/>A Tulsa couple renewed their

Thursday, June 8th 2006, 9:48 am

By: News On 6

One of the casualties of Tuesday's big storm in Tulsa was the Ferris wheel at Bell's Amusement Park. It has been the source of many memories over the years.

A Tulsa couple renewed their wedding vows atop the Ferris wheel in 2002. News on 6 Rick Wells met that same couple at Bell's as they bid a fond farewell to an old friend.

Jack and Sherry Kovnas and I walked in the back door of Bell's to get a closer look at their favorite ride. Jack Kovnas: "We think about that Ferris wheel all the time." It is the heart of one of their fondest memories and as they see it up close they are clearly disappointed. Jack Kovnas: "I was thinking it would be repairable, but this looks like it's beyond repair."

The storm twisted it up pretty badly, and for Jack and Sherry a piece of their personal love story is gone. Sherry Kovnas: "Our first date was the State Fair that year 1969, that's where we got our first kiss."

It's the place they chose to renew their wedding vows celebrating their 30th anniversary during the State Fair back in 2002. This particular Ferris wheel is a classic, one of the early ones built in 1924. Bellâ€™s owner Robbie Bell: "It was the 26th Ferris wheel ever built."

It's been at Bells for at least 40 years and thousands of people have taken a ride in it. Many have frightful memories and many can say what Jack Kovnas can say. "Got my first kiss on that."

He says he made a little wish, said a little prayer back in the summer of '69. "Why can't I meet a girl to be with the rest of my life." Well, he found her at the top of this Ferris wheel. â€œI guess nothing lasts forever, but I sure wish this would."

Robbie Bell says they are still assessing the extent of the damage at the park. They may know as early as Monday when the park will open again. One thing he said for sure, that Ferris wheel will not run again.