Carnival Amusement Rides For Sale, Suppliers, and Rentals

Carnivals, amusement parks, theme parks, and fairs are relatively the same thing with subtle variations between them. Generally all of these terms are used for a collection of rides and other entertainment attractions put together for the purpose of entertaining a large group of people. Amusement parks are more elaborate than a playground, usually providing attractions that accommodate adults, teenagers, and small children as well. A theme park is a form of amusement park that is built around one or more specific themes. Carnivals differ from amusement parks in the fact that carnivals typically travel around. Carnivals will stay at one location for a short period of time and move on to their next destination while amusement parks are stationary. However, today the all of these names; amusement park, theme park, and carnival generally mean the same thing.

Amusement parks originated in Europe from fairs and pleasure gardens which were created for people’s recreation. The oldest amusement park in the world which opened in 1583 is Bakken, at Klampenborg, located in Denmark. Across the Atlantic Ocean in the United States, fairs and expositions had a major influence on the development of the amusement park industry.

Mechanical thrill rides are what make amusement parks such a great retreat for families, and individuals alike. They have certain nostalgic qualities that bring us back to childhood. One of the earliest rides invented was the carousel. It originated in Europe, but didn’t reach fame until it came to America in the 1900's. The first carousels featured gondolas, carts, fantasy animals, and horses. Another such ride which shaped the future of the amusement park was the roller coaster. They began as a winter sport in 17th century Russia. John Miller, an inventor, was responsible for the first ever roller coaster, called the flying turns. Miller went on to invent several roller coasters with his new partner Harry Baker. Harry Baker built the famous Cyclone ride at Astroland Park, Coney Island. The ferris wheel however, is the most recognized amusement park ride still to this day. The first ferris wheel was designed by George W. Ferris, a bridge-builder from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ferris began his career in the railroad industry. He founded a steel company. He built the first ferris wheel for the 1893 World's Fair, which was held in Chicago. Thirty-six wooden cars held up to sixty riders each. The ride cost fifty cents and made $726,805.50 during the World's Fair.