HUDSONVILLE, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – For over 80 years, the Hudsonville Fair has delighted families in bringing animal exhibits, carnival rides, and a pleasant, fun-filled atmosphere. But with the news of the fatal accident of an 18-year-old man at the Ohio State Fair a few weeks ago still fresh, many people are still worried about carnival safety
State Representative Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville) says that while talking with the Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions in Lansing, he learned that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, or LARA, is trying to consolidate their elevator and carnival ride inspectors into one catch-all position. Victory says that even though this may be a budget-saving move, it may not be the best of ideas.
“Elevators go up and down, and carnival rides go up and down, but they also spin and have a lot more complexity to it.” said Victory on WHTC’s Talk of the Town.
“If we would lose that expertise and just blend it into a quasi-type of government situation, the carnival operators felt that fair revenue could drop because of the certainty that they could offer could be lessened.”
LARA revealed during a MIRS News interview that “there will not be a reduction in the number of carnival inspectors and the elevator employees will not be assigned to the carnival operations.”
Victory still has concerns state inspectors will be taking on too many responsiblities and wants proof that elevator employees will not be assigned carnival duties.
On LARA’s website, the organization says that they inspect amusement rides annually, but operators are required to conduct daily safety inspections before guests are allowed to ride.
The Hudsonville Fair is open through this Saturday from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. and is located at 5235 Park Avenue. Click here for a list of events throughout the week.
