A iconic part of childhood, the coin-operated kiddie rides, are getting a second life as a themed prop in museums, restaurants, movie sets, and corporate environments around the nation.
At the center of this re-purposing is Denver-based Kiddie Rides USA. KRUSA is the only stand alone kiddie ride company left in America. In addition to selling these rides as themed props, they also sell these kiddie rides to very diverse customers – eg: doctor’s offices, homeowners, corporations for branding purposes, car dealerships, grandparents, collectors, etc.
For over half a century, kiddie rides have captured pop culture in miniature. There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of different kiddie rides molded into all shapes, sizes, and cartoon characters over the years. The shear diversity of the rides is one thing that makes them so appealing to the theming industry. They are equal parts 60-second amusement ride for kids and nostalgic American icons for adults.
When a themed kiddie ride matches a personal passion or a corporate purpose – bingo! For example, a Ghostbuster memorabilia collector purchased a Ghostbuster ride, a pilot purchased an airplane kiddie ride for his grandchildren, or the man who bought his wife a dolphin kiddie ride because she was crazy about dolphins. With the vast array of rides created over the years, it is surprising just how fitting a ride can be for someone’s specific interest.
At Kiddie Rides USA, they often customize rides to be even more personal. For example , they recently “branded” a horse with a gentleman’s initials – a monogrammed kiddie ride. They’ve painted rides to look exactly like high-priced prized stallions and to make miniature replicas of cherished automobiles and boats. An Oklahoma Sooner fan asked to have a covered wagon customized into a “Sooner Schooner”.
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