Wisconsin State Fair rides inspected: 'Safety is our No. 1 concern'

Wisconsin State Fair ride safety inspections

Before the 172nd Wisconsin State Fair starts, a safety check of the rides took place Tuesday, Aug. 1. Six safety inspectors checked more than 40 rides

WEST ALLIS, Wis. - Before the 172nd Wisconsin State Fair starts, a safety check of the rides took place Tuesday, Aug. 1.

A test run, a pull here, a wiggle there – six safety inspectors checked more than 40 rides to make sure, after you eat all those cream puffs and deep-fried food, you can safely ride the Wonder Wheel, SkyGlider and more.

"It’s about layers of safety and assessing risks," said Dan Hereth, secretary of the state Department of Safety and Professional Services. "When you walk up to a ride, you're looking for things like sharp edges"

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

Those layers come with years of experience. Hereth said his crew knows exactly what to look for.

"It's about inspecting structure, making sure you don’t see cracks, or instability in the structure, and then finally it's about moving parts," he said.

2023 Wisconsin State Fair ride safety inspections

Along with state inspectors, the State Fair pays a separate company to check the rides daily.

"Safety is our number one concern at Wisconsin State Fair Park, so for us, we just feel like we have that assurance" said Shari Black, the fair's executive director.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

Hereth said they do these inspections to prevent accidents or malfunctions. Back in July, riders were stranded upside down for hours on a ride at the Forest County Fair. A similar ride – the Infinity roller coaster – will be at this year's State Fair.

"It’s new, it was manufactured I believe this year or just last year," Hereth said. "It has only been at State Fair for four fairs nationwide so far, but we are very confident in the safety of these ride."

As we swing into 11 days of summer fun, inspectors said 43 different rides will be safe and good to go

Wisconsin State Fair ride 2023 inspections

The 172nd Wisconsin State Fair starts Thursday, Aug. 3, but before the gates open, a safety check of the State Fair rides took place Tuesday.

"We want the best experience for everyone that is coming," said Black.

This year the new ride is the Hulk. Inspectors said it already passed inspection and is good to go.

Gates open at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3. The fair runs through Aug. 13.