Chicago's Navy Pier went into the record books this weekend for longest ride on a Ferris wheel.
Beginning Friday, pier operations manager Clinton Shepherd attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest ride on Chicago's iconic attraction. Shepherd hopped on at 2:30 p.m. with plans to stay on for a full 48 hours.
The current record is 30 hours and 35 seconds. Shepherd broke that record and Navy Pier lit up the sky with fireworks after 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Shepherd will remain on the wheel for another 18 hours to reach his 48-hour goal.
Follow Shepherd on Twitter and ask him questions between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday via #FWRecord. Or ride along with him to be a part of potential history.
Navy Pier will offer free rides on all Pier Park attractions to all active military men and women and their families ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday. Military guests must check in at the USO office inside Navy Pier.
“This achievement highlights Navy Pier as the number one tourist attraction in the Midwest and serves as a great attraction as the City of Chicago honors the men and women of the Armed Forces,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.
“Navy Pier is excited to host Clinton’s world record attempt,” Navy Pier, Inc CEO Marilynn Gardner said. “We support his commitment to bringing the world record to the city of Chicago where the first Ferris wheel was built in 1893 and we are proud to partner with him to dedicate his ride to the men and women of the armed forces.”
Photo Credit: NBCChicago.com