Final state fair preparations are underway: How rides, food vendors are inspected

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Final preparations are underway for the North Carolina State Fair, which opens its gates on Thursday.

On Wednesday, state officials will conduct thorough inspections of the fairgrounds, ensuring that rides and food vendors meet stringent safety and health standards.

Amusement rides

It's crunch time at the North Carolina State Fair, as ride inspectors with the NC Department of Labor are making sure every ride gets the safety stamp of approval.

There are ninety-four rides at the state fair, and all have passed their final inspection, except two rides, as inspectors say those two rides are still setting up as of Wednesday afternoon.

Ride inspectors from the North Carolina Department of Labor have been on site at the fairgrounds since September 26th, ensuring each ride passes the safety inspection.

"We're checking all the welds, checking the structural components, we're also checking documentation and paperwork that they have. A lot of these rides require nondestructive testing to be done prior to our inspections. We're checking to make sure any nondestructive testing that's required has been completed satisfactorily. Then as these rods are being assembled, we're inspecting them during that period as well," Joey Hazelrigg said.

Hazelrigg is one of the eleven ride inspectors at the fairgrounds, getting up close and personal with each ride. Once all ninety-four rides at the fair pass inspection, inspectors' jobs don't end once the fair starts.

Luke Farley, NC Commissioner of Labor, spoke more with ABC11 about what goes into the inspections.

"We're going to have at least two inspectors throughout the fair every single hour that the fair is open. We have an office here at the fair. In fact, it's right over there in Dorton Arena. If you got any concerns, you can come see us there. Our inspectors are here doing operational checks every single day, observing the ride operators and making sure that they're doing what they need to do to keep these rides safe."

Commissioner Farley says fairgoers should have no concerns when it comes to ride safety.

"My wife and I have three young sons. I would put my three sons on any ride inspected by Joey and his team, that's how much confidence I've got, and the people who come to the fair can know that we've done our job because you can look for the certification sticker," he said

Commissioner Farley says their motto for the fair is every ride inspected, so every family is protected. Again, if you come to the fair and spot any safety concerns with a ride, you can report it to inspectors with the Department of Labor, as they will be on site at the Dorton Arena during the fair.

Food vendors

From creative deep-fried treats to local specialties, the fair is a food lover's paradise.

From October 9 to 16, a team of 43 inspectors will evaluate around 150 food stands, trucks, and tents before the fair opens on October 16. Each vendor must pass health and safety checks to receive a permit to serve food at the fair.

The Wake County Environmental Health and Safety team will conduct these inspections and issue temporary permits to vendors who meet all required standards.

Click here for the vendor and ride finder

"Our inspectors play an important role in keeping the fair safe," said Susan Evans, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. "Our work happens behind the scenes, but it's all about keeping people healthy and happy. When fairgoers dig into their favorite dishes, they can do it with confidence, knowing safety comes first."

Inspectors will check that food is stored at proper temperatures, equipment is clean and functional, and booths, tents, and trucks are sanitary. They'll also ensure food handlers follow proper hygiene practices to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The North Carolina State Fair runs through October 26. For more details, see the full guide.