3 Michael Jackson-Owned Rides Arrive For Tulare County Fair
Rides once graced late pop star's Neverland Ranch
Helms & Sons workers assemble the Wave Swinger on Sunday at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. The ride is one of three on the midway that used to be at Michael Jackson's Neverland. The German-made ride features hand-painted pictures. (Ron Holman)
Three midway rides that once were thrillers at pop star Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch will be featured attractions at the Tulare County Fair this week.
The rides were popular at the California State Fair in Sacramento this summer. One in particular, the "Wave Swinger," drew an adult-heavy audience, said Chuck Myrick, general manager of Helms & Sons, which is supplying the rides for the Wednesday-Sunday fair.
Though Jackson died June 25, a fascination with the pop star remains, he said.
"You never know if he rode on this [ride]," Myrick said.
An attraction called "The Zipper" and a spider-themed ride also were once part of Jackson's Neverland compound in Santa Barbara County.
"It's kind of fun to have something that belonged to someone famous," said Geoff Hinds, the fair's executive officer. "It's fun to be part of popular culture."
Helms & Sons installed, maintained and swapped out rides at Jackson's ranch.
And when the attractions became available, management jumped at the chance of ownership.
"It was just coincidence they ended up right here," Myrick said.
Refurbishing work went into the rides to get them fair ready, he said.
Other rides at the fair
There'll be more than 40 rides at this year's fair, Myrick said. Making its debut at the fair is a 155-foot roller coaster.
Such a massive ride is possible only because this year's fair features 2.5 more acres than usual, thanks to the relocation of fences at the fairgrounds. Located near the fairgrounds' southwest corner, the roller coaster will likely be a big draw, Myrick said.
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How to attend
The Tulare County Fair kicks off at 10 a.m. Wednesday with a parade through downtown Tulare. Fair hours:
- Wednesday 11 a.m. to midnight
- Thursday 4 p.m. to midnight
- Friday-Sunday ' Noon to midnight
AR / Thanks Joy C!