Ferris wheel takes over the Roberto Clemente Bridge for Oktoberfest

During his lunch break, Jonathan Daybear decided to go to the Roberto Clemente Bridge in Pittsburgh to take in the view from the 60-foot Ferris wheel that was being set up for Oktoberfest.

“I didn’t think it would be such a great view,” said Daybear, 45, of Lawrenceville, who works as a senior graphic designer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

It was a cool experience, he said, and cheap too. Ferris wheel ride tickets cost $5.

“I think it brings lightness and joy and just fun,” Daybear said. “I think we could all use a little more joy in our lives.”

He said that having a Ferris wheel on a bridge was “accidental” and that he appreciated the unique experience.

“I’m glad it’s here,” he said.

He said a permanent Ferris wheel in the city would be a good development if it included an area with restaurants, shops or entertainment – something “lively” since the Ferris wheel was invented in Pittsburgh.

“I think from my perspective, more experiences like this would be welcome in Pittsburgh because it’s fun.”

Live reporting from the Ferris wheel????

Here is a video of the ride @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/yyPEtldxnV

— Megan Swift (@mgswift7) October 3, 2024

George Ferris, the inventor of the wheel, had close ties to Pittsburgh, lived on the North Side and contributed to the construction of the city's bridges. While building the first Ferris wheel for the World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair, he used personal credit to place contracts with Pittsburgh Steel Mills and formed a corporation to attract investors.

Daybear said the last time he rode a Ferris wheel was a few years ago when he visited Montreal.

For Clara Troutman and Ada Watters, Thursday was the first time they rode a large Ferris wheel.

“It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but once you got in and got going, it was fun,” said Clara, 10, of Fox Chapel.

She said she had previously ridden a smaller Ferris wheel in Kennywood.

Ada, 10, from Aspinwall and Clara said they saw a variety of sights at the top of the wheel, including divers on a boat and PNC Park. They rated the experience 9.5 out of 10.

“It was really fun,” Ada said.

The Ferris wheel is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. throughout Oktoberfest, which runs from October 3rd to 13th. Two riders are allowed per seat and riders must be at least 107cm tall.