<P> Prater in Vienna, Austria, was opened in 1766 . </P> <P> The concept of a fixed park for amusement was further developed with the beginning of the world's fairs . The first World fair began in 1851 with the construction of the landmark Crystal Palace in London, England . The purpose of the exposition was to celebrate the industrial achievement of the nations of the world and it was designed to educate and entertain the visitors . </P> <P> American cities and business also saw the world's fair as a way of demonstrating economic and industrial success . The World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago, Illinois was an early precursor to the modern amusement park . The fair was an enclosed site, that merged entertainment, engineering and education to entertain the masses . It set out to bedazzle the visitors, and successfully did so with a blaze of lights from the "White City ." To make sure that the fair was a financial success, the planners included a dedicated amusement concessions area called the Midway Plaisance . Rides from this fair captured the imagination of the visitors and of amusement parks around the world, such as the first steel Ferris wheel, which was found in many other amusement areas, such as the Prater by 1896 . Also, the experience of the enclosed ideal city with wonder, rides, culture and progress (electricity), was based on the creation of an illusory place . </P> <P> The "midway" introduced at the Columbian Exposition would become a standard part of most amusement parks, fairs, carnivals and circuses . The midway contained not only the rides, but other concessions and entertainments such as shooting galleries, penny arcades, games of chance and shows . </P>

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