Radio Flyer, company behind iconic red wagons, celebrates 100 years

Radio Flyer, the maker of iconic children’s toys and namesake of the not-so-little red wagon dominating the southeast corner of Riverfront Park, celebrated its 100-year anniversary Thursday.

As part of its centennial celebration, Radio Flyer rolled the largest of its “little” red wagons – a 27-foot long, 13-foot wide piece of statuary inspired by a 1930s World’s Fair display – into the company’s hometown of Chicago on Thursday.

Radio Flyer’s gargantuan wagon was the centerpiece for the company’s anniversary event in the city’s downtown area, the Chicago Tribune reported. The wagon was created 20 years ago for the brand’s 80th anniversary.

Spokane’s wagon is only a little behind in terms of size. It’s just as long and only a foot narrower in width, with a slide to boot. Still, it’s the Chicago wagon that holds the place of honor in the Guinness book of World Records.

Spokane’s Radio Flyer red wagon was created by artist Ken Spiering, and has been in Riverfront Park downtown since its creation for the 1989 Centennial Celebration of Children, according to the city of Spokane’s website.

Radio Flyer said that as part of its anniversary celebrations, it will donate 2,000 wagons to children’s hospitals across the country in partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation.