Texas Star
| Texas Star | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Height | 216 feet (65.8 m)[1][2] |
| Weight | 678,554 lb (307,787 kg)[citation needed] |
| Cost | $2.2 million[3] |
Texas Star is a Ferris wheel at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, where it operates during the annual State Fair of Texas[2] as its most popular ride.[4]
With an overall height of 216 feet (65.8 m), it was the tallest Ferris wheel in North America[1][4] from 1985 until the opening of the 250-foot (76 m) Star of Puebla in Mexico, on 22 July 2013.[5]
It can carry up to 264 passengers in its 44 gondolas.[6]
Built by SDC Corp. in Reggio Emilia, Italy, at a cost of $2.2 million,[3] it was shipped to Dallas for its debut at the 1985 State Fair of Texas.[7] The Texas Star was owned by Buster Brown and his wife, Barbara. After Buster died in an automobile accident in 1990, Barbara's brother, Mike Sandefur, bought a 50% stake in the Ferris wheel. Mike died in March 2018, followed by Barbara who died shortly after Easter Sunday in 2025.[8][9] As of 2024, The Texas Star has been owned and operated by Talley Amusements, a company started by Barbara's eldest daughter Mary and her husband.
From 1985 to 2007 it was illuminated at night by 16,000 incandescent red, white, and blue turbolites.[10] In 2008, this system was replaced with a longer-lasting, more energy-efficient LED system.[11]
References
[edit]
- 1 2 Heingartner, Douglas (July 28, 2007). "The Bigger Ferris Wheels Get, the More Cash Flows". The New York Times.
- 1 2 "General Information". BigTex.com. Archived from the original on 2008-04-07. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
- 1 2 "State Fair Fact". Dallas Morning News. September 30, 2005.
- 1 2 Weiss, Jeffrey (October 6, 1994). "Riding high; At 216 feet, Texas Star Ferris wheel remains a top thrill for fairgoers". Dallas Morning News.
- ↑ Puebla, Mexico becomes first site of Bussink R80XL Wheel
- ↑ McLeese, Don (October 5, 1996). "Sights, sounds and smells of 110-year-old Texas tradition marvel for all ages Texas State". Austin American-Statesman.
- ↑ Halford, Bob (August 2, 1985). "Giant Ferris wheel called Texas Star to rise at Fair Park". Dallas Morning News.
- ↑ "Barbara Brown, co-owner of the Texas Star". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. September 25, 1998.
- ↑ Wertheimer, Linda K. (October 20, 2002). "The 'Star' of the State Fair; Popular Ferris wheel has been a family attraction since 1985". Dallas Morning News.
- ↑ Wilson, Janet (September 15, 2002). "Happy Birthday, Big Tex". Austin American-Statesman.
- ↑ "The lights just got brighter at Dallas landmark, the Texas Star" (Press release). State Fair of Texas. September 18, 2008.
32°46′36″N 96°45′33″W / 32.776738°N 96.759269°W
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