Speaking of midways, as we were yesterday, and Valley View Center, as we are, um, frequently? ...
We were out running a few errands late Sunday when I espied the Ferris wheel presently sitting in the mall parking lot. In recent years it feels like it's there more often than not, though given the present state of to-be-avoided LBJ as it creeps toward toll-roading, I could not tell you how long Fort Worth-based Talley Amusements has been set up at Valley View this particular go-round. Neither could the woman holed up in the ticket booth. "I'd'know," she grumbled when I asked when they pitched tent. She did, however, know how long she had left in the parking lot: "Another month."
Reason we pulled in was I wanted to see the set-up close up; that, and the promise of a late-winter corn dog. (I ultimately passed.) As you can see, above and below, the temporary midway was not packed two afternoons ago; there were perhaps a handful of customer, and most, like us, more curious than actually interested. Perhaps that was to be expected; it was cold, after all, and threatening drizzle. It's expensive too: a dollar a ticket, with the smallest kiddie coaster starting at three. Still, seems a viable late-night weekend excursion; maybe Tone'll go following a dinner of his beloved chicken whatevers served at the Chili's across the freeway. I'd recommend the Mega Drop ("The Ultimate Extreme!") or Starship 2000. Looks safe.