LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Crews with the State Fair of West Virginia are taking extra safety precautions on amusement park rides ahead of Opening Day this Thursday in Greenbrier County following a deadly ride malfunction at the Ohio State Fair last month.
“We do not have the ride where that happened, but they are going to take an extra step and do a little bit more testing on some of the rides that we have here,” said Kelly Collins, CEO of the State Fair of West Virginia.
The Fire Ball ride collapsed on July 26 at the fair in Columbus, Ohio. One person was killed and seven others were injured. The ride moves like a pendulum, spinning about 40 feet above the ground.
On Sunday, the manufacturer of the ride told investigators the accident was caused by “excessive corrosion.” Rust caused a support beam to snap off.
Collins said they don’t want the deadly incident to be the focus of the upcoming fair in West Virginia.
“We want people to focus on having fun and making memories with their friends and family. Safety is of utmost importance to us. Accidents can happen, but if you see something that worries you, report it to the State Fair and we’ll check it out,” she said.
Crews have a three-step safety process they have to follow when checking out rides. Collins said (1) they’re always looking at the equipment when it goes on the truck, when they unload it off the truck and as they’re setting them up, (2) an outside inspector comes in to examine each inch of the rides and (3) no ride opens unless its approved by the state Division of Labor.
The fair opens at 2 p.m Thursday in Lewisburg. Collins said the family-fun event runs for 10 days from August 10-19.
“We have a great concert lineup, the usual great food is back and we have free entertainment across the grounds for everybody,” she said.
The 2017 Concert Series opens at 8 p.m. Thursday with Aaron Lewis and special guest Ray Scott. Martina McBride and Josh Turner perform on Friday. A sold out show is expected Friday, Aug. 18 when Brantley Gilbert takes the stage. Other concerts include the following artists: Casting Crowns, Clay Walker and John Michael Montgomery, Old Crow Medicine Show, and the Buckin’ B Bull Ride with Steve Moakler, Luke Combs, Jimmy Fortune and Home Free.
Collins said the fair is a big economic driver for the state. Thousands of people are expected to be in Lewisburg, generating a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia.
“The hotels are full for the week, people are stopping at gas stations, the sales tax from the vendors and the carnival that goes back into the state and people are getting a chance to see the Greenbrier Valley on their way in and come back for a weekend sometime else in the year,” she said.
Special ticket prices are available throughout the week including the following:
Discount Day: $5 admission, $20 to ride rides all fay from 2-11 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10
Early Bird Special: $1 admission from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday Aug. 16
First Energy’s Magic Monday, Aug. 14
Senior Citizen’s Day on Tues, Aug. 15
Military Discount Day on Thurs, Aug. 17
Children ages 12 and under will once again get in free all day, every day.
This year’s theme is “Start a Tradition.”
“We’re encouraging people to start traditions with your family or friends. It’s such a family event that everybody of all ages can enjoy. It’s a good family fun time,” Collins said.
For a full State Fair schedule, CLICK HERE.