This weekend SLU hosted its annual family weekend and homecoming. Hundreds of excited participants flocked to the festivities including community dinners, open houses, and sporting events. However, the most anticipated event was the pop-up amusement park inside of the Marchetti parking lot. 

In exchange for their parking spaces, Marchetti residents got to experience the rides and fair atmosphere up close and personal. Additionally, they were given “fun passes” which allowed them priority access to the rides outside of typical operating hours without supervision. Yet, the Marchetti residents may have gotten more than they bargained for this year. 

As the fair was winding down late Saturday night and the rides were letting their final passengers off, loud mechanical grinding sounds could be heard coming from the Ferris wheel at the heart of the carnival. 

Without warning,, large bolts tumbled into the crowd gathering around the ride. The wheel had broken loose of its bindings, and seemingly with a mind with its own, began to roll East towards the Arch. DPS was called to the scene and promptly issued a SLU alert, but the wheel could not be stopped. It was too late as the carnival ride picked up considerable speed as it raced downtown. 

Witness reports state that it sped under the Arch and launched into the mighty Mississippi, sinking to its watery grave. Luckily, no one was injured in this harrowing event. Regardless, university officials canceled any further fair events for the remainder of the weekend due to suspicion of the other rides. Disappointed families were redirected to other, less fun, homecoming events.