Wisconsin State Fair ride inspections on eve of opening

WEST ALLIS, Wis. - The 171st Wisconsin State Fair starts Thursday, Aug. 4, but before the doors open, one final safety check of the State Fair rides took place Wednesday.

There are more than 40 rides at the state fair this year. The rides undergo multiple inspections before anyone gets on.  

FILE - Wisconsin State Fair gate. (Wisconsin State Fair)

Third-party inspectors crisscross Spin City, double-checking the nearly 40 attractions at this year's fair. In addition to the inspectors, the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DPS) comes out to do another round of safety checks.

"They look for all seat safety, make sure all the passengers are in the seat properly, that they fit properly. Suspension connections are good. Show no wear on them. All the safety systems are good, all the signage is good. No trip hazards," said Tom Atkins, ride operator manager, Wisconsin State Fair. 

 They also question the ride operator to make sure they're knowledgeable about the ride. 

"There are three different inspectors. Ride owner or manager inspects, the state inspects then the State Fair has a third party inspector come in and does a tremendously thorough inspection. The third party inspector is here all week, they check the ride every day. The ride operators check the rides every day. They have to be inspected before we open, you have to turn in a written inspection sheet before we allow them to open," said Atkins. 

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Gates open at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4. The fair runs through Aug. 14.