Looking for a thrill at the Mid-State Fair? We sent 2 reporters to try this year’s rides

The California Mid-State Fair and its collection of carnival rides are back in Paso Robles, and they do not disappoint.

Thrill-seekers looking for a heart-stopping spin can find plenty of options this year.

The Big Splash is reminiscent of Splash Mountain at Disneyland, descending through water that soaks its riders, while Medusa takes riders upside down at a height taller than the Ferris wheel.

Of course, there’s no shortage of great games and food to try — just don’t expect to win that giant neon teddy bear on your first attempt.

Water guns, basketball contests, darts, pitching challenges and even a game show are all available to guests, each dangling an elusive prize in front of the contestants.

The game show is held a few times each day, which allows fair visitors to compete to win free ride wristbands and fast passes.

As for the food, fair staples such as corn dogs, fresh-squeezed lemonade and kettle corn are on practically every corner of the fair and carnival, in addition to tacos and grilled meat.

Tribune reporters John Lynch and Chloe Jones headed out on Thursday to try some of the best rides at this year’s carnival. Here’s their review.

P.L.U.R. Spinning Coaster

The P.L.U.R. Spinning Coaster is not for the weak.

It looks like a simple, low-stakes roller coaster, but its jerky twists and turns will give you whiplash if you aren’t seated properly. And just when you think you’ve spun the maximum you can — it starts to pull you backwards.

It’s a fun ride, but be sure any food you’ve eaten has been settled before trying out this coaster.

The ride, whose name stands for Peace Love Unity Respect, is a common attraction at the Electric Daisy Carnival electronic music festival in Las Vegas, according to carnival officials.

“The hairpin turns were really fun once you get used to them — they certainly keep you on your toes.” — John

“I made the mistake of eating shaved ice right before this one, and that was my mistake. It definitely was one of my favorites, and each twist and turn caught me by surprise.” — Chloe

Medusa

Medusa is completely unlike any other ride at the fair.

It’s a unique twist on the “big spinning arm” rides that you see at a lot of fairs and carnivals, but on a much larger level.

This ride towers above even the Ferris wheel and offers some of the biggest bang for your buck at the fair.

Riders are loaded into shoulder restraint seats on either end of Medusa’s long arms, and then spun around, head over heels, for nearly two minutes.

This is not for the faint of heart, either — substantial parts of the ride are spent upside down as riders plunge toward the ground and arc toward the sky in rotating seats.

“I almost passed out but it was worth it.” — John

“My biceps are still sore from squeezing onto the ride’s seat belt.” — Chloe

Vertigo Swings

If you are looking for a more relaxing ride, the Vertigo Swings are for you. You sit on a secure bench and spin with a great view of the carnival, similar to the Dumbo ride at Disneyland. It’s a classic that’s worth the line.

“This ride is one of the better ways to get a nice, overhead view of the surrounding fair, and it was the perfect way to unwind from the more high-stress rides.” — John

“It was the palette cleanser I needed to recover from Medusa and get ready for more crazy rides!” — Chloe

Insomniac

The Insomniac might be the most intense spinning ride in the entire fair.

Riders should refrain from eating too much, because chances are, that meal might make an encore appearance.

The Insomniac spins riders around at the end of each arm, which is attached to a central spoke, giving two forms of rotation at once. If that’s not enough, the ride also tilts up and down as speed increases, making for a truly disorienting experience.

“I consider myself to have a strong stomach for roller coaster rides generally speaking, and this thing still almost made me black out. This one’s going to keep me up at night.” — John

“I’m still dizzy.” — Chloe

Himalaya

The Himalaya — a longtime fair favorite — seems like a chill ride at first.

It’s set up like a roller coaster that goes up and down in a circle. Then, it starts going faster. And backwards.

The centrifugal force glues the person sitting on the inside to the side their partner sitting on the outside, and it makes for a fun (but sometimes painful) ride.

“Ow, my ribs.” — John

“Hold onto your sunglasses!” — Chloe

Alien Invasion

Alien Invasion is a classic, centrifugal force-based ride that makes you feel like all of your bones fell out.

By spinning at increasing speeds, riders are flattened against the walls of the alien flying saucer. As the speed increases, each panel on the wall slides upwards, taking riders’ feet off the ground as the rotation keeps them firmly in place.

For some, this feels like the G-forces of blasting off on a rocket ship. For others, this feels like a hasty trip to the Port-a-Potties.

“I felt awful initially — like my brain was turning to mush — but once it got up to speed, it felt like I was hurtling through the upper atmosphere.” — John

“I hope I never get abducted by aliens.” — Chloe

Ferris Wheel

After putting your stomach through the wringer of the other rides, there’s no better way to calm things down than with a ride on the Ferris wheel — a carnival classic that never disappoints.

It gives you the best views of the fair and is a great way to end your visit. The best time to go, in our opinion, is from sunset to the evening for a beautiful look at the carnival lights below!

“A perfect way to end a day of fun. 10/10 would recommend.” — John

“I could stare at the fair all night from this view!” — Chloe