Thousands are expected to attend the Sarpy County Fair this year, and they can focus on the fun knowing all 25 rides there have passed state inspection.
Each ride is double-checked before, after and during the fair — every day — to ensure fair-goers' safety.
"I get to meet up with a lot of my friends,” volunteer Marvin Ostransky said. “And (it’s) just a good family fun atmosphere."
But each year, the state must conduct a mandatory amusement ride inspection before these rides are deemed safe.
"Never had a major accident,” said Gary Montgomery of Sam Amusement. “Never had any kind of accident, actually."
It's a process: State inspectors must examine each ride and sign off a checklist.
"There's manuals that tell how to inspect these rides they are going through that process and we are also going though that same process," he said.
Montgomery owns and operates all 25 rides at the fair. He said he's also a certified inspector with the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials.
"They check all the rides for electrical grounds,” Montgomery said. “They check them mechanically and operational, too. They run every ride out here they look at all the rides." Montgomery said his company also inspects the rides before and after the state…then each ride is inspected daily.
"They come to the office and sign off on the inspection sheet," he said.
And long-time fair-goers say they trust the process.
"Of all the years I've been down here — very minor incidents," Ostransky said. "My children grew up here, so I feel very safe having them here."
The fair also holds food inspections prior to opening its doors. Food vendors must pass before selling food at the fair.
