Dixie Classic Director: Fair Rides Are Safe

The Dixie Classic Fair begins Friday in Winston-Salem. It's known throughout the region for its food, exhibits, shows – and of course, its rides. But after an incident last year at another North Carolina fair, safety may be a concern for fairgoers. 

The drone of machines can be heard on the midway at the Winston Salem fairgrounds. A wide field blooms with roller coasters, bumper cars and other rides at the heart of the Dixie Classic Fair.

This year's fair features more than 70 rides, and safety will be on the minds of many fairgoers. That's after five people were injured on the Vortex ride during the State Fair in Raleigh last year just weeks after the Dixie Classic ended.

The problem wasn't the ride itself. Investigators believe the operator tampered with the ride's safety devices. 

“Unfortunately a human can go in and override something they're not supposed to,” says David Sparks, director of the Dixie Classic Fair.

Sparks says the inspection process is stringent and he is confident that the Dixie Classic's rides are safe.

“Here in North Carolina every time a ride goes up it is fully inspected and has to be compliant with all the manufacturer's recommendations and all the safety requirements for that ride," he says. "There's not a ride on the midway that I wouldn't get on or have my kids get on.”

The fair runs through Oct. 12. Last year's fair drew more than 320,000 people.