Second Tilt-A-Whirl Unveiled in Downtown Faribault

A second beautifully restored Tilt-A-Whirl car was unveiled at noon in downtown Faribault today. This latest addition to enhance the historic look of the downtown was placed at the corner of Central Avenue and Fifth Street Northwest, right in front of the State Bank of Faribault. Along with the Tilt-A-Whirl car on the corner by Burkhartzmeyer Shoes, both of these tourist attractions will make for great photo opportunities for visitors to our fine city.

Ninety years after its introduction to the amusement ride world by its creator and Faribault resident, Herb Sellner, the Tilt-A-Whirl has become a staple at hundreds of amusement parks and carnivals around the world. This ride is also synonymous with the town, which takes a lot of pride as the birthplace of this iconic ride that has thrilled many people young and old over the years.

Although the first car's restoration was done as part of the TV show "American Restoration," the latest Tilt-A-Whirl was carefully restored in its hometown by Design Specialties, painting it in the distinctive Faribault Falcon colors. Donated by Harley's Auto Salvage in Faribault, the car itself was a mess. That was before former Sellner Manufacturing employee Dwight Henning, got his hands on it and turned it into the beautiful work of art that now graces downtown Faribault. Although I'm sure there were several other people instrumental in bringing this car back to its former glory, it wouldn't have gotten anywhere without the hard work and persistence of local business owners Peggy Keilen and Tami Schluter.