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What Does the San Diego Fair Have in Common with the Ledgendary Michael Jackson?

By William Johnson

Industry Observer with Retired

June 21, 2012 03:40 PM

Back not very many years ago, Michael Jackson's Neverland was filled with carnival rides and one attraction that used to be on Michaels's Neverland property now operates at the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack.

Wave Swinger

The Wave Swinger that hoists riders up in the air on the giant swing set and then spins them around has been an attraction at the San Diego Fair since 2009, the year of Michael Jackson's passing.

This photo was taken at the San Diego County Fair last year but I was so pleased to learn this new bit of San Diego Trivia so I had something to write in my blog post to be able to share the photo.

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Jeff Dowler, CRS

eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA

The Southern California Relocation Dude

William

I haven't been on a carnival/fair ride for many years, at least since a visit to Disneyland about 6 years ago. Hoping to get to the fair but we'll see. No video while riding??!

Jeff

Jun 21, 2012 03:51 PM

William Johnson

Retired - La Jolla, CA

Retired

Hi Jeff, I was not riding on it, I was taking the photo, LMAO

Jun 21, 2012 03:54 PM

Jay Jones

Keller Williams Tri-Lakes - Branson, MO

I wondered what would happen to those rides. Interesting information. Thanks for sharing!

Jun 21, 2012 04:25 PM

Hi jay, I see you are neweer here in the Rain. Welcome and this post is nothing compared to what you will learn here in the rain. ActiveRain will be a life changing experience ( in a very good way) Thank you for the comment Jay.

Jun 21, 2012 05:09 PM

Mona Gersky

MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro,NC - Sylva, NC

GRI,IMSD-Taking the mystery out of real estate.

William, I would loved to have photographed this also. I'm more of a ferris wheel rider though. This kind of ride would have made me feel wonky.

Jun 21, 2012 09:45 PM

John McCormack, CRS

Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM

Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

William - Interesting and great shot my friend. The last time I rode anything at the fair or carnival was 2003. I recall it vividly..... I got sick... LOL

Have a fantastic Friday my friend.

Jun 21, 2012 11:08 PM

Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional

Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL

Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

What a great photo!!!! Pretty amazing, the 'toys' he had..........I don't do carnival rides either. Like John, they make me sick!

Jun 22, 2012 12:07 AM

Good mornning Mona, It has been a few years since I have been these rides and share your thoughts about the Ferris Wheel. One nice thing abouut collecting photos of the things we encounter, you never know when you will need the photo. I read in the paper about this particular ride and didn't want to pass up sharing the photo that I had taken.

Jun 22, 2012 12:28 AM

Hi John, TGIF, weekend is mostly free odd appointments at this point and I think I will enjoy being able to catch up on some paperwork and doing some marketing and even enjoy some hours doing nothing in particular. Thanks for the comment and for sure at a certaiin point in our lives, we stop doing the things of young guys and settle in to just eating our way through the Fair, LOL.

Jun 22, 2012 12:32 AM

Hi Barbara Jo, It is too bad the family didn't continue to operate Neverland as a tribute to the things he loved. Guess there was not enough money in it compared to other ways to memorialize his talent.

Jun 22, 2012 12:34 AM

Myrl Jeffcoat

Sacramento, CA

Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

They had a couple of Michael Jackson's Neverland rides at the California State Fair, a couple of years ago. I couldn't help standing in front for awhile, and visualizing time at their original location. I agree about Michael Jackson's talent. In spite of the controversy, he was an amazing talent. When I watched the documentary, "This is It!" I was left wondering what might have been, had he continued to live.

Jun 22, 2012 10:04 AM

William - I just read your comment #10. Before Michael's death, his financial problems put the property in foreclosure. The estate became under control of a joint venture between Jackson and a financier. The goal was to rework the mission of the massive complex. However, upon Michael's death in 2009, the plans were waylaid. There are opinions it should become a state park, or a theme park. Some accounts say Michael's children hope to buy back the property. So stay tuned!

Jun 22, 2012 10:13 AM

What Does the San Diego Fair Have in Common with the Ledgendary Michael Jackson?

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