Last year, thrill seekers got their rush from the rotating, pendulum ride “The Stinger” at the Altamont Fair. This year, Rick Reithoffer will provide another exclusive experience.
Called “Speed” and classified as an ultimate thrill ride, two giant arms on a pendulum take riders 140 feet into the air as four riders on each arm rotate 360 degrees. The machine’s 13 revolutions per minute then accelerates the G-force on riders, making them feel as if they’re in a free fall.
“If you liked The Stinger, you will like Speed,” said Reithoffer. “My son says it is the baddest ride we have in our arsenal.”
The ride is produced by a Dutch company and is very popular overseas, but in North America the only way to experience Speed is through Reithoffer’s 116-year-old family business.
The ride can reach more than 70 MPH and those on board will feel the exhilaration of stopping about 12 inches above the ground before being shot back up into the air. Although the Reithoffers have owned the ride for several years, the 119th running of the fair will be its debut in Upstate New York.
Reithoffer’s is also providing the giant swing ride “Vertigo,” which is new to the fair and takes riders 80 feet into the air.
The Altamont Fair runs Tuesday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 19. Parking is also free with the price of admission.
“It isn’t as extreme,” said Reithoffer. “Parents can go on this with their children and they won’t be scared to death, provided they meet the height requirements.”
The rides are checked each week by inspectors and by the state Department of Labor, according to Reithoffer. They are also ridden each day by employees before opening to make sure each is working properly.
Some favorite attractions will be returning to the fair, such as the Disc-Connected K9’s World Famous Frisbee Dogs show, owned by former Frisbee champion Lawrence Fredrick.
New this year is the Hollywood Circus in the Big Top with a large petting zoo featuring giraffes, the Hollywood Racing Pigs, Sylvia’s Magic Truck ventriloquist show and the musical program Vic and Sticks, which teaches children about the environment.
Fair officials have added an additional night of fireworks the closing night of the fair on Sunday, Aug. 19, while the newest in fried foods will be available.
These types of exclusive attractions have kept locals returning to the fair, even after prices were raised in 2010. The new system meant all rides and attractions were included in the ticket price. Fair officials said the change was meant to help struggling families keep the costs of attending the fair lower.
“Now it’s all inclusive,” said Marie McMillian, the fair’s manager. “We have done our best to speak to all the age groups who attend the fair. There’s always a few who fall between the cracks but, every year the attendance has gone up a few thousand.”
McMillian estimates about 75,000 people attended the fair last year.
Admission is $15 for adults and children 36 inches and taller. All shorter children are free. Admission is also free for seniors before 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15, and for those in the armed services on Thursday, Aug. 16.
Fair Marketing Director Pat Canaday said the selection and simple reminders of yester-year are what keep people returning.
“They want to see what’s new and we want to provide that for them,” she said.
