Saturday, July 16, 2011

State, local officials keep eye on carnival safety


Every amusement ride and amusement attraction open to the public and operating in Illinois must be inspected before its first operation and annually thereafter. In addition to rides such as Ferris wheels, this includes haunted houses, mechanical bulls, and inflatable attractions, or bounce houses and moonwalks. (Lauren M. Anderson – landerson@nwherald.com)By SARAH SUTSCHEK - ssutschek@nwherald.com

Friday, July 15, 2011

Do not rock your seat on the Ferris wheel, or Skinners’ Amusements staff reserve the right to kick you off.
No standing on the fences. No running around. No intoxicated riders.
“We have the policy on the back of our tickets,” said Pat Skinner, co-owner of the Marengo-based company. “We reserve the right to refuse ridership.”
Skinners’ Amusements celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, a witness to the many changes in rules and regulations for the carnival industry. This includes the Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act adopted in 1985.
Carnivals can be big business for many local organizations that rely on them for fundraising, but there are annual state permitting requirements to ensure public safety standards are being met before a single dollar changes hands.
“A lot of people don’t know that the Illinois Department of Labor is responsible for regulating rides,” spokeswoman Anjali Julka said.
Skinners’ Amusements does the carnivals for several local events, including Harvard Milk Days and the McHenry County Fair. Pat Skinner said that in the past four or five years, she could recall only a pinched finger or two involving members of the public.READ MORE:http://www.nwherald.com/2011/07/05/state-local-officials-keep-eye-on-carnival-safety/avxz0bt/

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