The Ferris wheel comes to Pittsburgh for the Oktoberfest celebration

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – As part of Oktoberfest celebrations, a Ferris wheel will be installed in downtown Pittsburgh, giving riders an unprecedented view of the city.

The Roberto Clemente Bridge turns into a carnival for Oktoberfest Pittsburghcomplete with carnival games, vendors, and yes, a Ferris wheel. Organizers believe it's a first for the city's bridges.

The 60-foot Ferris wheel began its journey on Thursday. It is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until October 13th. It will be open until midnight on October 6th for people who want to ride after the Steelers game.

“This is the first time. I mean, it's hard to believe that Mr. George Ferris, the inventor of the Ferris wheel, is actually a Pittsburgher“But we're pretty sure there's never been a Ferris wheel on a bridge in the past,” said Jeremy Waldrup, CEO and president of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has partnered with Riverlife to make this possible. Organizers said the Ferris wheel will stand nearly 100 feet high above the city.

“It’s a 60-foot Ferris wheel, about 35 feet above the water. So you’re 90, 95 feet above the city, which is pretty spectacular,” Waldrup said. “What could be better than a literal bird’s eye view of the city from the Clemente Bridge?”

The ride has 16 seats and can accommodate up to 48 people. A height of 42 inches is required.

A $5 ticket is required for the ride. Getting one in advance is highly recommended.

“You know, it’s a Steelers weekend. So if you're coming to the game, come a little early or stay late. For the Steelers fans who want to experience the wheel, we will stay open a little longer, but this is a community celebration,” Waldrup said.

State and federal inspectors inspected the bridge Wednesday before its opening.

“Safety has been a concern for many and you know, This bridge has just been completely renovatedMillions invested by the district. We spoke to engineers. We did wind tests. “We've spoken to the county several times and they've been really good stewards, so you should feel safe,” Waldrup said.

“I think you might feel a little movement. You know, it's a bridge. It does what bridges do. But the fortunate thing is that there will be no traffic here, so the fluctuation should be minimized. But that's the thrill. “It's like riding a Ferris wheel when it's on flat ground, so that should be a little more intense experience,” Waldrup added.

Pittsburgh hosts Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest celebrations extend beyond the Roberto Clemente Bridge and take place primarily in the market square, which is transformed into a Bavarian village with stalls and traditional Oktoberfest decorations. There's food, music and lots of beer. Other highlights include a beer mug competition and dachshund races.

“We have set up a complete beer garden. An Oktoberfest, a kind of German, Munich festival in the middle of the market square. We have nine restaurants participating in Taste of Oktoberfest, oompah pop bands, dancing. UFC Gym brings “we’re powerhouses so you can come out and compete in jug holding and barrel rolling competitions,” Waldrup said.

“It's a great way to spend some time with family and friends and just get out and enjoy the city. It looks like the weather will be perfect this weekend so we encourage people to come here.”

There will be a special event for veterans on Monday.

“We have a Veterans Breakfast Club that joins us at Oktoberfest on the market square. It's actually a commemoration of the fall of the Berlin Wall and therefore an opportunity for veterans who served during the Cold War and in Germany in particular to talk about their experience of the Allied Forces coming together and about that community really to bring them together and let them celebrate the impact this has had on our world,” Waldrup said.

“So if people are interested, you can find all the details on the website www.oktpgh.com. We would love for people to come along and join us. When you register as a veteran on our website, you get free parking and your first beer is on us. So it should be a good time.