'I loved that thing.' Iconic Darien Lake ride being dismantled and removed

In May 1983, Darien Lake Fun Country visitors got their first chance to ride what was then considered the largest Ferris wheel in America.

This week, the iconic attraction of nearly 40 years is being dismantled and removed from what is now called Six Flags Darien Lake.

“The Giant Wheel has reached the end of its useful life” and is “no longer a good fit” for the summertime destination, which is about 50 miles west of Rochester, park representatives said in a statement. Despite that, “We greatly appreciate the history and tradition of this classic.”

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The statement said alternatives for a replacement ride are being evaluated.

The Giant Wheel was made by a Dutch manufacturer for the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee. After a six-month stint as that event’s centerpiece, Darien Lake, which opened in May 1981, bought the ride for $1.5 million.

It was disassembled and transported in 28 tractor-trailers to the park, where workers there began reassembling it in March 1983.

Standing 16 stories, or 165 feet, it could be seen when approaching Darien Lake on Route 77 South. And on a clear day it offered passengers not only panoramic views of the 1,200-acre park but of Buffalo, 30 miles away.

Set off by 15,000 blinking light bulbs, the Giant Wheel had 40 gondolas that could seat up six people each.

The last time it was operational was 2019. On July 20 of that year, park workers had to bring it to a halt because of a hydraulic leak that damaged a pump, stranding an unknown number of passengers for about two-and-a-half hours while maintenance crews worked to solve the problem.

Darien Lake, just south of Corfu in Genesee County, did not open in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021, park officials posted a sign in front of the Giant Wheel announcing it was being retired.

James Dunn of Albion, Orleans County, was saddened by the news about it being taken down, having just bought season passes for the first time in years. “I loved that thing,” he said.

So was Will Boyd of Burt, Niagara County. "As much as being on that thing scared me, I'm gonna miss it."

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Iconic Darien Lake ride being dismantled and removed