Carnival rides bring new styles to fair

HARTINGTON - From Steve Ray Vaughan to B.B. King, blues music will entertain those riding on the new blues-themed ferris wheel entitled Juke Joint Roulette at the Cedar County Fair. 

According to Luke McWhorter of Mac’s Carnival and Attractions, the origin of the ferris wheel’s name is based around blues and the ferris wheel itself. “Juke Joint” is a music club and “Roulette” is French for “little wheel.”

Juke Joint Roulette also features a 17-minute long light show and blues music. McWhorter describes the ride as “cool” and seemed excited to show it at the fair. 

“It’s really all over the place but in a good way,” he said. 

The ride was built and sent over from the Czech Republic and has appeared at John Schneider Studios in Los Angeles since the company purchased it. It will also make an appearance a Kid Rock’s performance at Sturgis Buffalo Chip in South Dakota.

Along with the new ferris wheel, the company also brought a new fun house themed Mac’s Road House to the fair. 

“We try to get something different every year,” McWhorter said. “At least one or two rides are different every year.”

Last year, Mac’s Carnival and Attractions brought “The Drop Zone” as its new carnival ride, McWhorter said. These new rides will be open to the public, weather permitting, at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018.