How safe are county fair rides?

ST. JOSEPH COUTY, Ind. -- Are you going to the St. Joseph County Fair this weekend? Have you ever wondered how safe the rides are? The president of the fair says the rides received their annual inspection on Thursday.

"Every ride here is inspected every single day. An hour before opening we inspect every single ride and grease every part that needs to be greased,” said Blake Huston, General Manager of North American Midway Entertainment.

Every ride must be inspected at least once a year. 

A small sticker on the ride shows the date the ride was inspected. It’s required by state law.

“The other day there was as many as I think eight state inspectors here going over every ride with a fine tooth comb,” said Lee Slavinskas, President of the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair Board.

Fair officials say the St. Joseph County Fair has never had a mechanical problem that affected fair-goers.

"To me for being a part of the fair for years and years and years since I was a little kid, I think that they are very safe. Everyone that works here, everyone that is part of the midway, takes a lot of time and effort to make sure that the children are tall enough, or are buckled in safely. So I have confidence,” said Cassie Nemes of Mishawaka.

"Personally I don't like the rides. The way they are put up so fast and everything. I don't think they are safe,” said Sharon Carver of South Bend.

Ultimately it is up to you to decide how safe you feel on fair rides.

Just remember to follow the height requirements, wear seat belts and don’t get off before the ride stops.