Largest traveling Ferris wheel headed to NC State Fair

Organizers announced Wednesday that North America's largest traveling Ferris wheel will be be at the N.C. State Fair this year.

Posted 3:35 p.m. Apr 17, 2019 — Updated 3:46 p.m. Apr 17, 2019

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina State Fair is getting a big new attraction.

Organizers announced Wednesday that North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel will be be at the State Fair this year.

The Ferris wheel, which made it debut in Florida in 2017, is 155 feet tall. It will be located between Dorton Arena and Hillsborough Street and offer guests a 10-minute ride with a more than 15-mile panoramic view.

“It will definitely be something fairgoers aren’t going to want to miss. The wheel is a great addition to all you can see and do at the fair, and I can’t wait to see the view from the top. It promises to be spectacular," state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a statement.

An 80-ton crane is used to assemble the 500-piece wheel. It features 524,000 LED lights, 6 miles of electrical wiring and weighs 400,000 pounds.

This new wheel is larger than the Giant Parthenon Wheel, which at 108 feet tall was one of the tallest fair attractions since 2016.

The wheel is considered a special attraction and requires a separate ticket – it is not included in the unlimited ride wristband. Tickets for this Ferris wheel are $6 in advance and $7 once the fair starts.

Relive the 2018 North Carolina State Fair

Fair officials are asking the public's help in naming the wheel.

"We’ve opened up a post for suggestions on our Facebook page. I’m looking forward to going through all the ideas with our team to pick a name that truly reflects the passion the people of our state have for the fair," State Fair Manager Kent Yelverton said in a statement.

Name suggestions are being accepted until May 8.

The State Fair runs Oct. 17-27. Discounted tickets go on sale Aug. 1.

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