FARMINGTON — The Turn of the Century is among Lagoon's most refreshing of rides and yet is one where you don't even get wet.

Soaring over Lagoon's lake, this ride came to Lagoon in 1987, replacing the old silver-colored Rockets ride that also flew over the lake.

Nicknamed the Flying Swings by some, this ride does imitate the sensation of flying very closely as most riders sit in individual swing chairs that dangle by their own separate chains. At nighttime this flying sensation is heightened even more and many lights add to the attraction.

The swings rotate in a clockwise direction as the tower or mast rotates counterclockwise. This produces a distinctive oscillating wavelike motion. Basically, the ride is similar to a playground swing, except that it turns riders in a circle and raises them substantially off the ground.

Lagoon used to have a Flying Swings ride, from 1964-87. Veteran Lagoongoers may also recall that the Rockets ride, though updated over the decades, was at the park in the location of today's Turn of the Century, from 1929-87.

The Turn of the Century stands 31 feet tall, with a ground dimension of a 52-foot diameter circle that expands to 72 feet during operation. Riders probably soar about 20 feet off the ground, and the ride lasts about two minutes.

There used to be 48 individual swing seats on this ride, but in 2004, Lagoon has added several double, connected chairs, where friends, or boyfriends and girlfriends, can sit side by side.

Generally, the ride is the most intense in the outside seats. The inside chairs do not dangle out as far as the ride progresses.

This is also a very windy ride, and it can get pretty chilly during spring and fall.

Teenagers flock to this ride and are probably attracted to the hit music that plays in the background.

There are also some "don't do" aspects to this ride:

1. Riders who wear flip-flops or sandals cannot ride this attraction. That's because falling shoes are not deemed desirable, and riders' feet are more protected from the landing pad if they are covered by solid footwear. Barefoot riders are also not allowed.

2. Anyone weighing more than 230 pounds should not ride. That's because they may have trouble getting into the chair seat.

3. Riders have to be at least 46 inches tall.

4. Riders should not push off their feet on other chairs, bump together or cross and twist the chairs.

The Turn of the Century is located between the Wild Kingdom Train and the Tidal Wave.

Lagoon is open daily though Tuesday, Aug. 22, this year.

• For more information, go Lagoon's official Web site at www.lagoonpark.com.

Lynn Arave