Workers began disassembling the iconic Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier Monday.
The good times have stopped rolling -- but just temporarily at the Santa Monica Pier. The Pacific Park Wheel has taken its last spin and it's getting ready to move on. The wheel's going to be packed up and shipped out to its new home in Oklahoma.
The lights on the Ferris wheel were turned off late Sunday night after some lucky passengers enjoyed one last ride on the Ferris wheel. All day on Sunday everyone was allowed to ride free.
The 12-year-old wheel, with its 20 gondolas and 5,392 light bulbs, carried more than three million riders over the years, soaring high above the Pacific Ocean. The wheel was featured in dozens of commercials and films. Ten years ago it was modified to become what was said to be the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel.
The Pacific Wheel was recently sold at auction on eBay for $132,000 to Oklahoma real estate developer Grant Humphreys. Humphreys said he plans to resurrect the attraction in Oklahoma City, though he's not sure exactly where.
The amusement park plans to donate half of the winning bid to Special Olympics Southern California.
The wheel is going to be replaced with a new state-of-the-art model. But for people who have ridden the Pacific Wheel dozens of times, it's hard to say goodbye.
"I cannot believe that it's leaving me, but I know it's going into history so I'm very happy about that," said fan Eileen Kawas.
"It's really pretty on the top, and we're the last ones to ride it, so it's pretty fun," said rider Christine Emhardt.
Workers began dismantling the wheel Monday. The process is expected to take a few days.
The new $1.5 Ferris wheel, with four times as many lights, is expected to be in place by May 22.
Source: KABC7 Los Angeles
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