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 previous record was 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, but he didn't stop there.
He remained on the wheel for another 18 hours to reach his 48-hour goal, setting a new record of 48 hours, 8 minutes and 25 seconds on the Ferris wheel with no sleep.
Throughout the process, fan could follow Shepherd on Twitter and ask him questions via #FWRecord. Or ride along with him to be a part of history.
Navy Pier also offered free rides on all Pier Park attractions to all active military men and women and their families ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday.
“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