Nearly ready to ride: Inspectors walk through "Spin City" to make sure you're safe
WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- Before the fun begins at the Wisconsin State Fair, inspectors are making sure the amusement rides are safe. In Wisconsin, operators of those rides will have double duty.
On Tuesday, July 29th, state inspectors looked through dozens of familiar rides. But they're not alone -- the State Fair also brings in an outside firm to do a separate set of checks. Those inspectors and ride operators known each other quite well.
Joe Bixler, like the ride operators, tours all over the country every summer. His job -- to make sure the rides are safe. On Tuesday, he joined state officials to check out the dozens of rides -- including those in the fair's Spin City.
"Some states do not have a program, this state has an in-house program so there`s actually Wisconsin ride inspectors that are out here as well as our inspection," said Bixler.
Many ride operators and private inspectors meet several times a summer as they travel to the same fairs. While operator and inspector are familiar, Bixler says he makes sure the relationship doesn't get too cozy.
"You do build a bond but there`s a respect; I respect what they`re doing, the efforts they put forth and then they respect us for what we`re asking them," said Bixler.
Bixler says rides will occasionally break. But he rarely sees uncooperative ride operators. After all, they have a lot to lose.