4x4 Four Minutes, Four Questions Craig Wescott, Track Family Fun Parks

Branson's night sky will soon be aglow with more than 16,000 additional lights, thanks to an iconic Ferris wheel.

The Track Family Fun Parks announced at the end of January its purchase of Chicago's Navy Pier Ferris wheel. Within two weeks, the 20-year-old wheel had arrived in Branson, and restoration had begun.

The wheel, which is modeled after the first ever Ferris wheel, stands 150 feet tall and can hold 240 passengers in its 40 gondolas. It was open from 1995 to 2015 at Navy Pier.

The new attraction, which is located at park No. 4, will open to the public at noon Thursday , says Craig Wescott, president and CEO of The Track Family Fun Parks.

As the opening day gets closer, the workdays get longer and busier, but "the excitement outweighs being overwhelmed," Wescott says. "We are loving every minute of it."

Between meetings and visits to the work site, Wescott found time to answer a few questions for What's Up!

Q. How did you acquiring the Ferris wheel come about? Why did you want it?

A. We have been intrigued by Ferris wheels for a couple of years. We knew Branson would be a great place for one because of its scenery and energetic entertainment corridor, but we just had the idea in a file somewhere. In 2015, we made connections with some industry friends that had knowledge and expertise in Ferris wheels. As it turned out, we were asking questions at the right time. That fortunate timing put us in a position to learn of the Navy Pier replacing its Ferris wheel with a new, bigger one. It was definitely knowing the right people at the right time. With there being both national and international interest in the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, we were extremely fortunate to get it.

Q. The Ferris wheel is about 20 years old. What changes have you made?

A. As the Ferris wheel was well-maintained in Chicago, the structural steel and most of the components were in good shape. The manufacturer did provide some new components as part of our purchase. The Ferris wheel has a good safety record, and we are not making any modifications in that regard. We did paint the entire steel structure using a process and paint that should last many years. Also, we changed the lighting system from the older incandescent type to a new LED system. There will still be 16,000 lights, but now they will be fully programmable, both in color and movement. We are doing an overhaul on the audio system that plays in the gondolas and in the staging areas. With continued routine maintenance on the Ferris wheel, it should last for many years to come.

Q. What do you hope this new attraction will do for your company and for Branson?

A. We believe an icon like this at our family fun park will attract new guests. Ferris wheels seem to have an effect on all ages. Kids are enamored by their size and structure, while they give the older generation a feeling of nostalgia. By adding this Ferris wheel, some of our guests that typically just watch will participate. Multiple generations will be able to experience the attraction together.

This attraction will serve as an icon in Branson. It will provide spectacular views of the picturesque Ozark Mountains and of Branson's entertainment corridor. This Ferris wheel's history will intrigue potential Branson visitors, especially those that have ridden or have knowledge of it as the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel.

Q. What are you most looking forward to once it's open?

A. We are looking forward to paying tribute to the wheel's rich history, while starting its new chapter in Branson. It could have been put to rest in a scrap pile somewhere, but now multiple generations can relive old memories and create new ones here in Branson. We look forward to creating unforgettable moments (our company's mission) for families in a whole new way. And, we are excited for the energy it will bring, not only to The Track Family Fun Parks, but to Branson in general.

-- Kelly Barnett

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 06/17/2016