From wooden-figure horses to aluminum and fiberglass models with buttons and pedals, the development of these rides expanded the entertainment industry in a new way. So enticing were these rides that they started appearing outside of local groceries, in amusement parks, inside hotels and even became staples in the American shopping mall scene. Costing just a dime to operate, and eventually a quarter or two, these rides were used to create a draw at local storefronts, catching the eyes of children passing by who would plead with their parents for just one quick ride on the vibrant, light-up singing machines. Not only did this movement promote fun, but it was an easy and quick way for businesses to make extra cash without necessarily needing to make sales. It was as simple as placing a child on the ride, sliding in a coin and pressing the start button. Soon, the base would animate, and the animal, automobile or figure would begin moving up and down or side to side; in later years, there would be programmed music, sound effects and even flashing lights to help hold the rider’s attention. Often times, in more modern models, the rides held several tunes so as not to become redundant, and to persuade children into asking for “just one more ride.” Although production of these machines has since slowed, with many manufacturers closing their doors in the early 2000s, there have still been coin-operated kiddie rides manufactured in recent years, such as a Spongebob Squarepants coin-op produced by UK Kiddy Rides in 2015. However, it is the older, vintage models that have garnered the strongest following. With the invention of arcades, video games and virtual reality, there is far less of a commercial demand for these little interactive machines, but collectors now clamor to include them in their homes. Disappearing from storefronts, the coin-operated kiddie rides are missed dearly by those who remember the nostalgia- laden memories of childhood rides on Donald Duck-themed machines, thus, the collecting community was spurred and the demand for these relics is high among enthusiasts. Throughout the years, Mecum Auctions has seen numerous coin-op rides cross the auction block, and they never fail to be a crowd favorite. With high sellers like the Flying Superman Coin-Op Kiddie Ride and the Rocket Patrol Coin-Op Kiddie Ride that both sold at Mecum Kissimmee 2017, the market for mechanical rides is clearly still hot. And the sales throughout 2020 paint the same successful portrait. MECUM.COM • 99
