Colorful, scream-evoking thrill rides on the midway are a big draw at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair.

Some people, especially younger folks, stand in long lines for a chance to be tossed, spun, twirled, whisked and even turned upside down.

On Thursday night, riders displayed an assortment of facial expressions as they went around, up, down and sideways. The night air was filled with laughter, screams and excited chatter as people braved rides such as the Fireball, Sizzler and Ring of Fire.

A video screen outside a ride new to Statesboro showed the riders tucked inside a life-size automobile, part of the Simulator. The riders inside faced a screen that made it seem they were riding a wild roller coaster, while the actual car in which they sat rocked and rolled. Some held hands in the air as if they were speeding downhill on a coaster; others clutched their seatmates in fright.

"It was fun," said Ahniyah Holley, 12, as she left the ride with her sister Kenyah, 13. "You move around just like it was a real roller coaster."

The Statesboro girls were giggling as they left the ride, but Kenyah admitted, "I was scared, a little bit."
Screams from within the car as the ride started up gave credence to her words.

"It moves you like it is for real," she said.
Colby Ambrose, 17, of Bellville, got off the ride with friends, smiling.

"It was fun. It felt real, and was bumpy," he said.
The Simulator, he added, is "fairly close" to the real deal, and he would definitely ride it again.

Many people who enjoyed the rides Thursday purchased wrist stamps, which meant unlimited rides all night long for one price. Wrist stamps will be sold today at the fair for $20, and they are good all night for as many rides as a person wishes.

Zach Tatum, 21, of Glennville, stood in a sizable line Thursday night waiting on his turn to ride the Fireball, a colorful machine covered in flashing LED lights that change colors as the arms holding seats rotated and swung like pendulums, occasionally making a complete circle overhead.

He hadn't tried the ride before, but wanted to because "it looks cool," he said. "I guess it's just the thrill."
The Gravitron, a ride that has been a fixture at the fair for more than 20 years, also drew long lines.

Kayla Blackburn, 22, from Screven County, said she likes it because "it holds you down. It's a different feeling, I guess."

Another ride new to Statesboro is the Sizzler, which tosses riders in every direction as it orbits, spins and whirls.

Tyler Smith, 13, of Collins, said he likes it because "it makes you dizzy."

Jahques Rich, 11, was eager to try it for himself. "I want to see how fun it is," he said.

The fair has one of the largest midways in the region, and in addition to the new rides, includes traditional favorites such as the Musik Express, Rock & Roll, Giant Ferris wheel, and the Crazy Mouse roller coaster.

A separate Kiddie Land area offers rides for smaller children - the new ride this year, the Wild West Train, joins the Go Gator, Speedway and others made for tiny tots.

The Statesboro Kiwanis Fair will be open Saturday, its last night, from 1 p.m. to midnight.