Fair rides inspected for safety

Labor Department officials finished their inspections Thursday, ensuring all of the rides at the 2008 N.C. Mountain State Fair are safe and secure for festivalgoers.

There are 44 rides, including five new ones, for all ages at this year’s fair, which is themed “The Best of the West.”

Organizers said the fair will bring the best that Western North Carolina has to offer to the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.

The 10-day, family-oriented agricultural fair runs today through Sunday, Sept. 14.

N.C. Department of Labor officials announced Thursday that the ride inspection process was successful, and by early afternoon there were only a few more rides to inspect.

Playworld Amusements assembled the rides, which include the Zipper, Mind Blast and Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, to name a few.

“Inspections have gone very smoothly. I am very, very pleased,” said Cherie Berry, state commissioner of labor.

Six Labor Department inspectors have been on the grounds since Tuesday making sure the rides will be safe for the public to enjoy when the gates open today to the public at 9 a.m. Rides will open at 10 a.m.

All of the amusement rides must be in 100 percent compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications to operate, according to the Labor Department.

“We have the best, most stringent ride program in the nation,” Berry said.

There has never been an accident on a ride in North Carolina because of mechanical failure, Berry said.

She attributes amusement ride mishaps to irresponsible actions by riders.

“Rider responsibility is the key,” she said. “The public must use common sense.”

N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler said the labor department makes sure the safety rules and regulations are carried out.

“If these rides are not safe enough in the labor department’s opinion for me to put my granddaughter on, I don’t want them open,” Troxler said.

Even after the rides pass inspection, there will be a Labor Department official on the grounds through the 10-day duration of the festival, he said.

Officials from the N.C. Highway Patrol, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Skyland Fire and Rescue also said they will be in full force to make sure the public is safe.

“While the gates are open we will have anywhere from 12 to 15 people on the grounds in different locations to be able to handle situations,” said Chief Dennis Pressley of the Skyland Fire and Rescue.

There are also 200 vendors, including temporary food stands that must have permits to operate. The food is inspected by the Buncombe County Environmental Health Department.

“We will have people here throughout the week verifying the food is safe,” said David Mease with the health department.

The fair also has pig races, a petting zoo, camel rides and animal displays.

Officials said there will be several hand washing stations on the grounds and they encourage the public to use them.

Last year, the N.C. Mountain State Fair attracted nearly 188,000 visitors, a new record. Officials are hoping to surpass that number and reach 200,000 visitors this year.

Tickets are $5 for adults, and $2 for kids ages 6 to 12 as well as senior citizens 65 years or older. Children under 5 years are admitted free.

For more N.C. Mountain Fair information, visit www.mountainfair.org.