Fair Offers Rides For Thrill Seekers

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Why do people go to the Tulsa State Fair and get on rides that spin them around and around?  The News On 6 posed that question to those coming off of the fair's most extreme ride.

The ride is called the Skyscraper.  The Skyscraper will carry you 165 feet high above the midway  and then hurtle you down again at speeds up to 70 miles per hour.  And, if you are really lucky the little car you are in will spin end over end.

"it's the biggest thrill you'll get.  Best ride at the fairs," said Emily Smith.

Emily's family has a food booth at the Tulsa State Fair and they've also worked at several others, so she's ridden the Skyscraper at several locations.

"Like the Minnesota State Fair, the Iowa State Fair and this one.  I have to go on it every time," said Emily Smith.

Other people feel that once is enough.

EMSA Supervisor Jason Whitlow says once is too much for some

"We've treated people for some upset stomachs and things related to some ride issues," said EMSA's Jason Whitlow.

Actually, EMSA took two people to the hospital on Wednesday after they'd gotten off spinning rides.

"Anything that goes in circles rapidly and especially multiple circles," said EMSA's Jason Whitlow.

He says those rides can cause vertigo, dizziness and nausea, but they are, and always have been midway mainstays.

There are lots of spinning rides on the midway.  Some find the Tea Cups to be more their speed.