Dozens of amusement rides at Wisconsin State Fair to be tested, inspected

WEST ALLIS -- An annual tradition like the Wisconsin State Fair brings with it a yearly protocol. Before fairgoers get in line at Spin City, each ride is set up, tested and inspected -- and that process was well underway Monday, July 31st.

Kristin Chuckel of the Wisconsin State Fair

"So they will be inspecting all of the rides. So that's all of the rides in Spin City as well as our Sky Glider," said Kristin Chuckel of the Wisconsin State Fair.

Gloria Brashel helped with the set-up phase. Brashel said the team putting together one ride had been on the grounds for the better part of four days.

"Yeah, it's not ready. But they will inspect it before the fair opens," Brashel said.

Spin City, Wisconsin State Fair

Rides are assembled and made show-ready before a contracted inspector goes to work.

Spin City, Wisconsin State Fair

"So they do an inspection first and then we also have state inspectors who come in and inspect things, and then the owners and operators of the individual rides also do inspections," Chuckel said.

There are about 50 rides in Spin City for the 2017 edition of the fair. But one was pulled in recent days after a similar machine malfunctioned at the Ohio State Fair, killing one and injuring seven others.

However, for the first time, the fair will feature the "Wonder Wheel." It's a massive ferris wheel that requires additional attention from several local fire departments.

"With the Wonder Wheel being new, it was really important to get them in to look at that ride as well so they are familiar with it," Chuckel said.

Wonder Wheel, Wisconsin State Fair

And then there is the ever-popular "Wave Swinger." It also got a green light for test runs.