I went to the Great Allentown Fair tonight; well, last night now. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I had an idea of what to expect but didn’t think it would rival some of the bigger fairs I’ve been to. A formal, if I can really call it that, trip report will follow but I’d like to take the time to address the Flying Bobs present at the fair. It looked a whole heck of a lot like a Herschell made Flying Bobs but was set up more like a Reverchon model without the canvas top. Whatever the make, it looked great; Powers Great American Midway’s really know how to maintain a ride!
The ride itself didn’t run very fast or anything but the car swung like none other I’ve been on. It didn’t just swing high either, it swung madly and out of control. I think it had to do with the fact that I was a single rider and it seemed that the ones with two riders didn’t do it as much. To be honest, it was the first time I had ever been a little nervous on a Flying Bobs ride! The swinging was so wild at some points that I actually tried to counter it by shifting my weight in the opposite direction of the swing.
Now while I might sound like I’m complaining, I’m really not; I got a kick out of it! It’s no joke that I was a bit scared though and after experiencing that, I really have to wonder how I’d fare on a Matterhorn at a European funfair! I mean for crying out loud, look at this picture! I think I’d crap myself.