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A 150-Foot High Observation Wheel Is Coming To The Banks

Editor's Note: The opening is delayed one day because of inclement weather delaying installation. SkyStar is expected to open Saturday, Sept. 1.

A big Ferris wheel is coming to The Banks. And we mean really big, as in 150-feet high, with 36 enclosed gondolas and 1 million LED lights big. The SkyStar mobile observation wheel arrives later this month to mark the 10th anniversary of The Banks.

Cincinnati Regional Chamber officials announced the plans at a press conference Friday morning.

SkyStar spokesman Todd Schneider says each of the gondolas is climate controlled and carries six people. "This experience promises to provide unique views of downtown Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, the Suspension Bridge and the Ohio River," he says.

Each ride consists of four revolutions and lasts about 12 minutes.

"SkyStar will inject even more excitement into Oktoberfest Zinzinnati; our Ale to the Queen City Thanksgiving weekend craft beer festival; Bud Light Tailgate Zone pre-game Bengals parties; and more," added Cynthia Oxley, director of corporate and community events for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. "We look forward to introducing new events designed to showcase SkyStar and celebrate The Banks."

The attraction won’t be permanent. It opens August 31 and closes December 2. Hours will be:

  • Monday through Thursday – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Friday – noon to midnight
  • Saturday – 10 a.m. to midnight
  • Sunday – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets are $12.50 each and available at www.skystarwheel.com.

The giant wheel will be between Carol Ann’s Carousel and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Bill Rinehart started his radio career as a disc jockey in 1990. In 1994, he made the jump into journalism and has been reporting and delivering news on the radio ever since.