Which carnival rides passed safety test at Delaware State Fair 2023?

Andre Lamar, Delaware News Journal

Updated July 22, 2023 at 4:48 AM·2 min read

A top attraction at any state fair are amusement rides, and that's no different in the First State.

To ensure the safety of guests looking to get their ride on, Delaware’s Office of the State Fire Marshal oversees all amusement rides in the state.

The state sent Delaware Online/The News Journal the ride inspection results on Friday, July 21. All of the rides in the report passed inspection.

Attached below is a copy of the inspection results for the 104th annual Delaware State Fair, which ends Saturday, July 29.

Here's a brief breakdown of how rides are inspected at the state fair.

How long does it take to inspect Delaware State Fair rides?

Friends (from left), Kenzie Owens of Camden, Mya Lopez of Felton and Adrianna Navarro of Frederica, all 14, beat the crowds and get a ride on the Cliff Hanger on the opening day of the Delaware State Fair in Harrington, Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal, said in 2022 that it’s hard to quantify how long each ride is examined because simple kiddie rides require only a few minutes for inspection, but a Ferris wheel can take much longer.

Generally, it takes two eight-hour days to inspect the entire carnival section.

Delaware State Fair has a safe history with rides

Amusement ride vendors must file, annually, an Amusement Ride Safety Inspection Certificate for any ride they plan to set up and use in Delaware.

Ride malfunctions at carnival: Zipper ride that malfunctioned Tuesday passed safety inspection in May, per report

Wade Shows Inc., based in Michigan, is in its 25th year providing rides at the Delaware State Fair.

Vendors must submit a valid Certificate of Insurance for the company and that specific ride by including the ride on the insurance schedule.

A surfing amusement draws attendees on the opening day of the Delaware State Fair in Harrington, Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Vendors must submit a valid Certificate of Insurance for the company and that specific ride by including the ride on the insurance schedule.

Amusements rides are required to be inspected within one year of use by a third-party ride inspector contracted by the amusement ride vendor and the vendor’s insurance company.

The third-party ride inspector signs off on the ride and provides a signed safety inspection form once the ride is approved for use, Chionchio said.

In his three decades of working in Delaware, the state fair’s rides have historically been safe, Chionchio said.

When is the Delaware State Fair?

Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) is open from Thursday, July 20, through Saturday, July 29. Gates open at 9 a.m. daily through July 29. The fair typically closes around 11 each night. Most buildings open after 11 a.m. Tickets: adults (13+), $10 ($10.50 online); youth (6-12 years of age), $5 ($5.50 online); child (5 and under), free admission. Visit delawarestatefair.com or (302) 398-3269.