The company machined the dozen Babbitt-style bearings needed for the ride’s cars to operate, Deshner said.

Bearings reduce friction by providing smooth metal balls or rollers, and a smooth inner and outer metal surface for the balls to roll against. These balls or rollers “bear” the load, allowing the device to spin smoothly.

Babbitt-style bearings were on common on mechanical devices up through about 1940, according to Vince Gingery, an author on old machinery.

The Bug dates from 1925, Deshner said. The only other operating version of the ride is at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh, he said.

Excalibur also donated the cast-bronze parts needed on the ride’s center column that rotates with it as the cars go around the track.

Deshner estimates if the park had to pay for such work, it would have cost $4,000 to $6,000.

The return of the Bug puts 15 of the park’s 16 adult rides back in operation. Its Toboggan ride went out when it threw a gear, but will be repaired, Deshner said. All 12 Kiddieland rides also are in operation.

Kaufman and his grandchildren said they’re glad they got an opportunity to ride it together again.

“I’ve always liked it a lot,” said Felecia Seeley, 18, of Columbus, Ohio, one of Kaufman’s granddaughters. “It’s one of my favorite rides.”

“It rides exactly the same,” said Amber Koppler, 14, another one of the grandchildren

“It’s always a lot more fun (to ride) with the grandchildren,” Kaufman said.

Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com