Who Knew Santa Was a Swinger?

There will be plenty of swinging at theme parks when a batch of compressed air-launched thrill rides debut next season. Xtreme Swing, the name of Minnesota's Valleyfair ride, is already built and ready to go. Rather than waiting until May when its 2006 season begins, the park is planning to show off its new attraction this coming Monday with a ceremonial first ride featuring a certain red-suited gent. Xtreme Swing will consist of two 84-foot arms attached to a 103-foot tower. Using a compressed air system, each arm will swing two rows of ten seats back and forth and reach heights of 125 feet. The contraption will hit 60 mph and deliver some powerful positive and negative G-forces. Want to see the monster in action? Check out the Xtreme Swing Preview Video. Other parks launching swing rides next season include Ohio's Cedar Point, and Connecticut's Lake Compounce.
More of What's New at Theme Parks for 2006
More Photo and Video Galleries of New 2006 Rides