Boone County Fair rides pass inspections

Editor's note: The inspection reports were added Wednesday.

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Boone County Fair kicked off its 188th year Tuesday.

Every year, rides undergo inspections. Inspections were performed in April for this year's fair amusement operator, Sonshine Amusements, and all rides were approved with satisfactory remarks.

The state's fire marshal's goal is to make sure everyone's share of fun is safe.

Jeffrey Heidenreich, of the Columbia Fire Department, said there have a unit that is specifically assigned to amusements rides. so that unit conducts annual safety inspections on all amusements rides in the state of Missouri."

All ride operators must obtain a permit to operate and must have an inspection completed every year.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety says inspections happen each time a ride is set up.

"They use wood blocks and other blocks to set itup to make sure everything is leveled, they're gunna make sure electrical is grounded, that the belts on the motors are not worn out." Mike O'Connell, of the Department of Public Safety, said.

Inspector look for proper safety restraints and conditions of seating along with proper entrances and exists like steps, ramps and platforms.

Food vendors will also undergo inspections. The Health Department will look for what type of food is being cooked and the steps being taken to prepare the food.

The Boone County Fair goes until Saturday at the Boone County Fairgrounds.