National Roller Coaster Day
August 16, Saturday
History of the holiday
The exact origin of the holiday is unknown, but it is believed that the date was chosen in honor of one of the first roller coaster patents in the United States, issued in August of the 19th century. Roller coasters became a symbol of amusement parks and today exist in a wide variety of forms — from classic wooden structures to modern steel tracks with dizzying loops.
Traditions
On this day:
* People visit amusement parks to ride their favorite attractions.
* Many share photos and experiences from their rides on social media.
* Parks host special promotions and themed events.
Interesting facts
* The tallest and fastest roller coasters can reach speeds of over 200 km/h.
* The first roller coaster in the United States was built in 1884 at Coney Island.
* Some roller coasters are designed to create the illusion of weightlessness.