MADISON, Ala. — The fourth annual Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair took over the Toyota Field parking lot Friday.
Toyota Field's parking lot is once again transformed into a funpark of food and entertainment with rollercoasters, carousels, a tilt-a-whirl, Ferris wheel, and more.
The Ferris wheel acts as a titanic centerpiece for all the fun - it is the biggest such ride in Alabama, according to owners Kissel Entertainment. The attraction was built in Holland and spent a six-week cruise before being undocked in the States and transported to Madison, where it was reconstructed and ready to run in three days.
It's the height of modern technology, according to operations manager Nick Seibert. "It completely runs itself," he said. "Self-balancing; it can detect any type of problem and stop itself. It's very user-friendly."
Following its debut run here, the wheel will only go to seven other sites in the country.
"There's only select places that we're going to bring it," said promoter Keith Hamby. "It's a unique opportunity when you come out to the Trash Pandas' stadium to get to ride this."
Beyond the big wheel that keeps on turning, you'll find plenty of other events and attractions at the fair, which runs through March 19.
They'll have carnival games, one-of-a-kind entertainers, and fair-food favorites like fried Oreos, funnel cakes, fried twinkies, chicken on a stick, cotton candy, polish sausage, and corndogs. Alcohol is available for people over 21.
The fair opens Monday-Friday beginning at 4 p.m. and starting at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Armbands which include access to rides will cost $30 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Admission alone costs $10 on those days. During the week, armbands cost $25, and admission will be $8 on most nights. Parking at Toyota Field will be $5. Tickets are now available and can be purchased HERE.
Daily specials include:
- Mommy Monday, Monday March 13: With the purchase of a child’s armband, a mom or guardian receives free armband. Both people must be present at the time of purchase.
- Students Day, Tuesday March 14: Admission is free for students of all ages, from elementary school all the way through college.
- Buy One Get One Free, Wednesday March 15: Armbands are buy one get one free for guests of all ages. Both people must be present at the time of purchase.
- Thrifty Thursday, Thursday March 16: With a coupon, guests can receive $5 off an armband, making the price just $20!
Announced shows and live entertainment include:
- Wheels Of Agriculture: The Wheels of Agriculture is an audience interactive game show which takes place on a stage. The format is trivia based game play in which the person who can answer a randomly selected question gains points. The questions are primarily agricultural based and include topics such as: Local Agriculture, Animals, Plants, Food Groups, Farm and barnyard, music and other sounds.
- High Flying Pages: The High Flying Pages have been entertaining families around the world for over 30 years from the biggest circus festivals to a fair or festival near you. Our goal has always been to bring the best in family entertainment to audiences of all ages. Hopefully one day we can share our performance with you, because there is no better feeling in the world than families smiling enjoying the show just as much as we enjoy performing it for you.
- Sea Lion Splash: The only traveling, self-contained sea lion show in the United States. See close up how sea lions react in a natural setting. Learn how they act in the wild and how we can preserve them.