Tucsonans and UA students made their way to Rillito Downs for a fun night of boosters and megadrops as part of the 30th annual Spring Fling.
"I enjoyed the Megadrop," said Matt Laskin, an anthropology sophomore.
"It was a rush, but they need to fix that flag on the top of the ride," said Laskin, referring to an American flag loosely attached to the top of the Megadrop.
But Laskin said he didn't go on many other rides last night.
"I don't usually trust rides that come in from the back of a truck. I like my rides that are stationary," Laskin said.
While some went on rides, others preferred the food provided by the more than 60 UA clubs and organizations at the carnival.
"I had a burrito from El Guero Canelo," said Stephanie Kerby, a pre-physiological science freshman. "Best carnival food I've ever had, better than a corn dog for sure."
Those sitting in the Alpha Epsilon Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi tent claimed to have one of the more successful booths of the night. They said they raked in $200 to $300 with their ball-toss game.
"The game is really quite simple if you know how to play, but most people don't," said Matt Slavin, a regional development sophomore.
For those who want a guide to the thrills, the Wildcat took the time yesterday to test a few.
Booster Rating: 5.0
The Booster ride, one of the new attractions to this year's Spring Fling, is an intense ride that can get up to 60 mph. The ride can hold about eight people on each end of the arm.
While riders board the Booster, the other end of the ride is 180 degrees up in the air with another batch of eight Booster riders eager for the ride to start.
The ride starts slow as riders soar through the air, tightly secured with pull-down seatbelts and another lap belt for safety. The ride then takes off like a rocket, flipping riders upside down again and again.
The Booster is definitely a great new addition to Spring Fling.
Megadrop Rating: 2.0
Riders get latched in with the pull-down belts similar to that of the Booster and get catapulted into the air really fast. Then, riders stop at the top, which offers a nice view of the Catalina Mountains.
The view lingers for about two minutes before the ride drops for the first and final time to one very loud, screaming chorus.
Enjoy the drop because it's the first and last one riders will see.
Megadrop's one drop is fun but not worth the wait.
Tornado Rating: 5.0
The Tornado, similar to the teacup ride at Disneyland, spun up fun for carnival-goers as well. Like the Disney ride, the Tornado features a center wheel that passengers spin to accelerate in tighter circles.
The twist comes when riders are flung at various angles in an ellipse.
Picture the teacups spinning at an angle while spinning within themselves.
Soundwave Rating: 3.5
The Soundwave, similar to carnival rides like Aladdin, offered a full sensory experience.
The ride features carts arranged on a disc that hurls riders around in any way the operator chooses. It's entirely possible that the ride is propelled off centrifugal forces.
As riders spin around, their chests pound and top-40 hits like Ludacris' "Stand Up" pour out of nearby speakers. Lights like something out of a '70s disco club also flash, adding to the multisensory experience.
Sorry Ludacris, but attempts to stand up before the ride comes to a complete stop will get riders yelled at.
Ferris Wheel Rating: 5.0
Traditional carnival fans will be happy to find the classic Ferris wheel at this year's Spring Fling. The slow climb is perfect for young couples or people looking to soak up a great view.
Riders can enjoy a calm ride that offers a view of the Tucson skyline on the way up and the bright lights of the carnival on the way down.
The Ferris wheel is definitely an oldie that never gets old.