The City of Montgomery and Mayor Steven Reed proudly announced on Thursday that they will soon address what they described as one of the top, most pressing requests they receive from constituents: A Ferris wheel.

“Many people — both locals and tourists — have told us how great it would be to have an attraction like a Ferris wheel downtown,” Reed said in the official announcement. “This pilot is our way of showing that we’re listening. We want to see how people respond, and if the interest matches the excitement we’ve been hearing, we’ll take that next step together.”

City leaders announced a plan to bring the amusement to the riverfront as part of a three-day pilot program that will debut later this year during Montgomery’s HBCU Classic Weekend.

RELATED: Mayor Reed declares crime drop in Montgomery, but residents share their doubts – and punchlines

“We’ve looked at cities across the Southeast that have used Ferris wheels to drive tourism, increase visibility, and bring new energy to their urban cores,” Reed said.

“If this works — and we believe it will — a permanent Ferris wheel or similar-level attraction could help Montgomery stand out. It strengthens our tourism economy and makes us a stronger bet for companies looking to invest in cities with momentum.”

The Montgomery City Council unanimously approved the initiative. Some council members are even considering using a portion of their discretionary funds to help support the effort.

Some reactions from Montgomery locals were positive. “Topgolf—simply because I’m tired of driving to Huntsville,” one Facebook user wrote on the city’s post. “Perfect idea. I lived in downtown Atlanta. They have a Ferris wheel. It’s always packed,” another user said.

However, many other residents balked at how high of a priority the city was placing on an amusement ride:

• “Just wear your bulletproof vests!!”
• “A functional playground and splashpad and a good children’s museum would be far more worthwhile investments…”
• “Get your new ‘I went to Paris and all I got was a Ferris wheel’ T-shirt.”
• “Looks like the one that comes to the Alabama National Fair.”
• “Be a great view of the crime from the top!”
• “Target practice.”
• “Just wasting money.”
• “Just waiting for the first lawsuit over someone getting hurt!”
• “At least most gunshots aim is off.”
• “It’s so sad that these aren’t really jokes.”
• “Where would the Ferris Wheel be located?”
• “Will this be a conflict with the curfew for teenagers downtown?”
• “What time is curfew?”
• “Shot spotter but with human observers.”
• “People are so simple.”
• “Now locals can shoot at each other on a moving Ferris wheel. Good times will be had by those who survive!”
• “No chairs allowed on ride.”
• “Do a zip line or something too!”
• “Well… it’s definitely a circus. C’mon.”
• “I’m not sure the riverfront area is a good place for this, considering how easily that area floods.”
• “This way you can get a bird’s eye view of folks fighting on the riverboat dock.”

City leaders say they’ll be watching to see if the demand is there — or if the ride ends after just one test spin.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].