DALLAS, Texas (KXII) – Built in 2006 with 36 cars, the Texas Skyway made its debut at the State Fair of Texas in 2007.
Rusty Fitzgerald, Senior VP of Midway Operations, handpicks each ride every year.
“They are in top shape,” Fitzgerald said. “If i have to worry about it, its not going to be here.”
Fitzgerald says the Austrian-made cars had quite a journey before landing in Dallas.
“I actually traveled to Germany,” Fitzgerald recalled. “The cars were used for one season at a flower show, so i was able to get a deal on these cars.”
The Skyway travels nearly 1,800 feet from behind Big Tex to the Midway, reaching a peak height of 73 feet. Fitzgerald says it’s a major change of pace compared to high-intensity rides like the Thunderbird or Thor.
“This? We’ve got a vertical lift of about fix feet. From end to end the elevation changes, so its actually a pretty stable and smooth ride,” stated Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald says the Texas Skyway is for everyone. It’s a ride that’s especially useful to those in manual wheelchairs, or for those of us who aren’t comfortable wading through heavy crowds.
“You can see the skyline of downtown Dallas,” said Fitzgerald. “At night its spectacular. You can actually look through the Texas Star Ferris wheel. It’s a unique view and great for pictures.”
The Skyway offers a quiet big picture view of everything the fair has to offer.
“the views are awesome,” said Fitzgerald. “Now the ones that flip you upside down, they’re a bit more special. You got to be a little bit taller, and have a little bit of a thrill in your heart.”
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