It's not your grandfather's ride; 'The Virus' part of a growing computer driven carnival

The midway at the Du Quoin State Fair is no longer your grandfather's carnival.

Late last week, Freddie Miller of Miller's Spectacular Shows wasn't waiting on a case of light bulbs or a ride bearing.

Instead, one of Miller's newest rides sat dark within eyeshot of the Miller office waiting on the lighting program computer software to be installed.

"It should be here tomorrow," he said. And, it arrived. By Sunday night the ride called "The Virus" was lighting up the southwest corner of the midway with what seemed like a million dancing LED lights.

It's one of the next generation of carnival rides. The price tag of these high tech, high energy computer driven carnival rides can hit upwards of $500,000 to $800,000.

The rides like the ferris wheel and the scrambler and the carousel are the tried and true favorites of fairgoers.

But, Miller Spectacular Shows never ceases to put punch into its offerings year after year. Ride all day for $22. You won't be disappointed.