Santa Monica Ferris Wheel Opens Tonight

The Santa Monica Pier taken on May 24 | Photo by Atwater Village Newbie via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr

Last month, the classic ferris wheel on the Santa Monica pier at Pacific Park went up for sale on eBay, eventually selling for $132,400 (it originally costs $800,000), raising $65,000 for Special Olympics Southern California. Tonight, pier goers and city officials welcome the new wheel, dazzling in its solar power, energy efficient glory.

"Like its predecessor, the new wheel will be solar powered, and its lights will be 75 percent more energy efficient than the previous wheel's," reported KCBS.

The dedication ceremony begins tonight at 8:30 p.m. followed by a light and fireworks show. At 9:15 p.m., visitors can ride the attraction until midnight.