Boone County Fair rides pass safety inspections

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Boone County Fair attractions as well as food vendors pass safety and health inspections this week.

As the Boone County fair is in full swing, event attendees are assured their visit remains safe and secure.

The fair takes place 5-10 p.m. through Saturday at Northeast Regional Park, 5212 Oakland Gravel Road.  According to a Amusement Ride Safety Report, all 18 rides passed with satisfactory grades.

According to Boone County Fair Board Secretary Jessica Kempf, fair organizers have plans in place for all aspects of the event.

The Columbia Fire Department and Columbia Police Department will be monitoring the event the entire week. Animal pens are secured with appropriate fencing, and child-focused areas like the Bounce Zone are monitored by staff.

Locations with alcoholic beverages like the Beer Garden and Dive Bar's pop-up bar are fenced in. There is also first aid present in case of emergency.

In terms of food, the health department visited the fair on Tuesday, prior to the gates opening. The department then reviewed each food vendor's establishment through their "Temporary Food Establishment Checklist."

The checklist includes dozens of codes that apply to food safety. Some examples are, no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, working food thermometers, and available handwash stations.

Jeff Spencer, owner of Just Jeff's, also mentioned how the Columbia Fire Department visited to review the safety of each vendors establishment.

"The fire department comes through and has a complete fire inspection to make sure that everybody safe all the way around," Spencer said.