Spinning and dipping, Minnesota fairgoers delight in the classic Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100

Falcon Heights, Minnesota (AP) — With screams, giggles, and white-knuckle grips, fairgoers are reveling in the magic of the Tilt-A-Whirl as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The iconic amusement ride debuted at the Minnesota State Fair in 1926 and has since become a staple at fairs nationwide. On Thursday, riders who disembarked shared their fond memories and reasons for continuing to enjoy the spinning sensation.

Valerie Nelson, a Minnesota native who had traveled to her home state to visit the fair, reminisced about her first ride as a child in the 1970s, calling it her favorite ride forever and ever. She expressed her love for the ride's spinning motion, which thrusts riders back into their seats. Sherri Gray, also from Stillwater, Minnesota, echoed Nelson's sentiments, stating that the Tilt-A-Whirl is her sole ride of choice.

Samuel Mishek, a 7-year-old from Minneapolis, reveled in the ride's unique experience, particularly the little bumps that signaled rapid turns. He rode the Tilt-A-Whirl twice in a row, excitedly recounting his favorite aspects. The Tilt-A-Whirl's enduring popularity is attributed to its innovative design, created by Herbert Sellner after the failure of a water-based spinning boat concept.

Sellner's brother, Martin, suggested adapting the idea for a land-bound ride, leading to the creation of the beloved Tilt-A-Whirl.