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FRANKFORT,
Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will check
every ride at the Kentucky State Fair before the first
child climbs aboard a ride when the fair opens Aug.
19.
The
Department's 18 ride inspectors check all the rides
at the state fair, Kentucky county fairs, festivals
and other events every year to make sure they are safe.
“There
were six ride-related injuries in Kentucky in 2003,
and there has not been a single ride-related patron
death in the Commonwealth since Kentucky's amusement
ride law was enacted 20 years ago,” Agriculture Commissioner
Richie Farmer said. “Our hard-working ride inspectors
are to be commended for their outstanding record. They
will do their best to see that the rides at the state
fair are as safe as humanly possible.”
The
KDA inspectors will set up shop at the Kentucky Fair
and Exposition Center in Louisville on Aug. 16 and undergo
fall prevention training the morning of Aug. 17 before
inspecting the rides at the state fair and neighboring
Kentucky Kingdom.
The
Department will carry out about 2,100 initial ride inspections
all over the state this year and will re-inspect rides
throughout the season.
The
KDA's ride inspectors receive training each year from
industry trainers. Some inspectors have attended regional
training sessions in Pennsylvania and Ohio and national
training conferences sponsored by the National Association
of Amusement Ride Safety Officials and the Amusement
Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers.
Ride
operators pay $50 per ride per year to cover initial
and follow-up inspections. They must show proof of $100,000
in liability insurance for permanent rides and $300,000
for mobile rides. Rides that the Department has inspected
bear a sticker from the KDA. To report a ride that does
not bear a sticker or other proof of inspection, patrons
may call the Department at (502) 573-0282.
—30—
NOTE
TO EDITORS: Kentucky Department of Agriculture
employees will inspect rides at the Kentucky State Fair
from about 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, through Thursday,
Aug. 19. Members of the news media are invited to observe
and shoot photographs and video.
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