CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A 230-foot-tall Ferris wheel received its first riders at the state Capitol Complex Thursday morning.
The America250 Big Wheel arrived in Charleston last week and was assembled over four days. It’s part of the state’s four-day celebration in the Capital City for the Semiquincentennial.
The wheel begins offering free rides to the public at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey, First Lady Denise Morrisey, and state Adjutant General Jim Seward took part in the inaugural America250 ride, along with local media members.
Morrisey spoke with Robb Reel of MetroNews affiliate 96.1 KWS right after taking the ride.
“It’s pretty incredible,” Morrisey said. “The views are unmatched, so I hope people from across the state, and out of state, come to see it.”
“This is one of the greatest events that’s going to be pulled off in the U.S. in the next few days,” Morrisey continued. “People should take it all in, know that West Virginia’s unmatched beauty is going to be on full display.”
The West Virginia Capital City Celebration features music throughout the weekend, including the headlining country music band Alabama on Friday night. Additionally, there will be a Liberty and Light Show at the Capitol, highlighting West Virginia and U.S. history.
A fireworks extravaganza will light up the Charleston sky on Friday night, starting at 10 p.m.
Morrisey said the America250 wheel ride was a great experience.
“(We) had some amazing vistas, the Capitol is resplendent,” Morrisey said. “In particular at night, this is something you don’t want to miss.”
Morrisey said he has fond memories of America’s 200th birthday celebration from 1976, when he was eight years old.
“I remember seeing the pictures on TV of the big ships in the harbor,” Morrisey recalled. “That’s something that always stuck with me my whole life. When we were putting this together, we wanted to make sure there were similar type of memories.”
Lots of America250 events are happening across the country and in Washington, D.C., Morrisey said. He noted that the state wanted to make the 4th of July celebrations special for West Virginians.
“That’s why you have the laser digital light show, that’s why you have the mobile Ferris wheel, that’s why you have the concerts,” Morrisey said. “We want this to be a memory that people have forever and perhaps think a little bit about what the founders did when they talked about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”