10 Of The Best Rides At The Erie County Fair

There is so much to do at the Erie County Fair.  You can just sit and be entertained...you can eat...or you can jump in on some of the best rides.

They have a ton of rides there.  Once again Strates Shows is providing the rides for the Fair and they've brought along 70 of their favorite rides, attractions, and concessions.  So if you have a ride-all-day bracelet, where do you start first if you want to hit up the best of the best first?

They did a study by looking at the number of scans from individual wristbands and "Fun Cards" of fair-goers last year.  The rides that got the most scans made this list.  Here are the top 10 rides (along with the descriptions from a press release) at the Erie County Fair this year:

#10 Zero Gravity: The name says if all! Patrons stand against the wall as the ride begins to spin at dizzying speeds. As the ride pivots vertically, the g-forces kick in and pin you in place! (4 2” minimum, 77” maximum)

#9 Starship 2000: Spinning at over 50 rpm, this galactic ride pushes riders to the floor. As the floor gives way to the spin of centrifugal force, passengers experience the sensation of weightlessness. (42" minimum)

#8 Dream Wheel: Enjoy a panoramic view of the midway from 72 feet above the ground high while riding in a family-sized gondola. At night, the Dream Wheel’s translucent tubs absorb the multiple colors of the super spectacular LED lighting. (40” minimum, 40” to 56” must be accompanied by a responsible patron)

#7 Wave Swinger: This ornately decorated giant swing set takes riders flying above the carnival crowds below. Riders are seated in one of the ride’s many suspended basket seats. As the Wave Swinger starts up, the whole structure rises and begins to rotate clockwise. When it reaches it maximum height, the ride tilted to provide an added thrill! (42" minimum, 230 lb. maximum)

#6 Musik Express: Music, lights, and sounds – Get ready for spinning action as the up-and-down motion of the ride keeps you rocking and rolling (52" minimum and age 8, 78” maximum)

#5 Sky Flyer: High-altitude fun! This 98-foot-high vertical swing can be seen “dancing in the sky” above the Strates Shows carnival. As 24 riders slowly rise to the top, the tower begins to rotate and centrifugal force kicks in! The Sky Flyer offers adventure thrills as well as a panoramic view of the midway. Fairgoers on the ground will be sure to have their cameras out to capture the Sky Flyers’ dazzling array of LED lighting. (48” minimum, 79” maximum)

#4 Scooter/Bumper Cars: Driver's license NOT required! There is no way better to get your traffic jam frustrations out than a ride on this carnival classic. These bumper cars let riders travel over the floor bumping, dodging, and crashing into other cars along the way. (4 8" minimum to drive, 42" minimum to ride)

#3 Thunderbolt: Enjoy the fast thrills of this circular spinning ride as cars are jostled side to side while spinning to the beat of the music (4 2" minimum)

#2 Venetian Double Carousel: For over three decades, Strates Shows signature merry-go-round has been a memory maker for fairgoers of all ages. This unique two-story, handpainted carousel is a timeless favorite on the midway and has become one of the “first” midway rides ever enjoyed by thousands of children and their parents. (42" minimum unless accompanied by an adult)

And the number ONE ride from customers in 2021…..

#1 Giant Wheel – Truly the “King of the Midway!” At 105 feet in height, Strates Shows majestic Giant Wheel dominates the fairgrounds and the surround community. A spectacular sight day or night, the Giant Wheel comes alive when the sun goes down with an all-new display of LED lighting. It is the best ride to take an awesome selfie with friends as you’ll have a one-of-a-kind view behind you! (48" minimum unless accompanied by an adult.)