Keeping you safe at the State Fair - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The Indiana State fair opens Friday for its 17-day run.

Thursday, work crews made final preparations and inspectors made a final swing through the fairgrounds to make sure everything is in working order, including the Midway rides.

Ten inspectors from the Department of Homeland Security were assigned to check 46 amusement rides from top to bottom. It's typically a routine event, except when it follows a tragedy like last year's stage collapse.

State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson said there is a heightened sense of awareness.

"It's just eyes open, eyes on everything. If anyone sees anything, they're to report it," Greeson said.

But Chief Inspector Tom Hendricks said it hasn't changed how they do their jobs.

"We haven't done anything differently than in the past. The inspections are done to the highest caliber to make sure the rides are as safe as possible," Hendricks said.

Inspector Chris Funkhouse said ride inspectors take anywhere from 45 minutes for a simple ride to 10 hours for a new one with lots of mechanics and electronics to check.

He said they check everything from the latches and fasteners to the fuses, brake systems and restraints. They also ride every ride to make sure it's operating as it should before giving the seal of approval.

This year, the inspectors are also checking the fair's two permanent stages and making sure any large tents are set up properly. And for the first time, even small stands with tents or canopies overhead, must be approved by the fair. It's a change Shawn Leake said was fine by him.

"You gotta be safe. You don't want the wind blowing you down. It doesn't bother me as long as it keeps us safe," Leake said.

Hendricks' two inspectors will work daily to do spot inspections during the entire fair. He said a one ride was temporarily shut down last year, but said that doesn't happen very often.

Sunrise version

The rides are all set up, the animals are in place, and that means it is almost time for the start of the Indiana State Fair.

You want your family to be safe when you visit, and that is why members of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are out in force now, making sure the rides you love are properly set up.

Inspectors will go over each ride at the Midway, just as they did during the Marion County Fair. They are making sure every nut and bolt is screwed on tightly, and that maintenance and training are up to par. By state law, rides need to be inspected once a year. Andy Klotz of the Indiana State Fair said safety is something everyone has a hand in this year.

"We've got total collaboration with all the entities here. Everyone, the vendors, the sponsors anyone who gets a badge here has had to go through a safety program so that's new and that's been great."

Inspectors say look for a sticker that shows the ride passes inspection. They say you should also listen to the ride. If it doesn't sound right, don't get on it.

It is not just ride safety that is top of mind for organizers here. It was nearly a year ago when the stage collapsed before the Sugarland concert. Klotz said other changes have been made to the fair this year.

"We have more people that will be out there constantly assessing for any kind of risk situation; not just weather, but any kind of situation that could present itself, but for the fairgoer that brings his family I really don't think they'll notice any difference in the fair."

The Indiana State Fair opens Friday, August 3rd and runs through August 19th.