Before the fun can begin

Ride safety expert lends his lengthy credentials to San Joaquin Fair

By Dana M. Nichols

Record Staff Writer

June 17, 2008 6:00 AM

STOCKTON - Take a look at Ray Rieger's business travel itinerary and you might think he was a Cold War-era spy. Last week he was in Portland, Ore., and Fort Lewis, Wash. Monday he arrived in Stockton. Next week he'll be in St. Petersburg, Russia.

His past also suggests an unusual mission: long employment with an obscure government agency and expert knowledge of all kinds of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic devices that far surpasses anything 007 could claim.

But Rieger, 64, of Topaz, Ariz., isn't on a quest for danger. Instead he crisscrosses the globe seeking safety. Specifically: yours.

Now, Rieger is at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds inspecting carnival rides as they are being assembled. Before any roller coasters coast or any merry-go-rounds make merry, he will check the machines' naked parts for damage and watch to see they are put together properly.

Its a BAD year for Carnivals

A short post... some of the carnivals are pulling out of various states, due to financial reasons - like the cost of gas and transportation to get to an event. Some are pulling out because of the accident liability situation. We may end up with fewer carnivals. If anyone has any ideas on this please post. Is there something that can take the place of a carnival? Economy or not, people need to have fun. Maybe the carnivals need to go green. Is there such a thing as a carnival that is green? Doesn't seem logical - umm it would be nice. What did we do before them?

county fairs

The Peeler Group - Carnival Background Checks

The Peeler Group is here for all your compliance and background check needs. Regardless if your screening program is created to satisfy state requirements, or you just find it smart business to screen those you have entrusted, we are here and we understand your business. Carnival background checks

Fair Accident

Posted: 4:33 PM Feb 8, 2008
Last Updated: 8:34 PM Feb 8, 2008
Reporter: bobeth yates
Email Address: bobeth.yates@wjhg.com

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Teenage Girl Seriously injured in Walton County Fair Accident

Each year thousands of people line-up to ride carnival attractions at area county fairs, without much thought for their safety.

We have a story about a Defuniak Springs family that might make you think twice about those rides.

Their day of thrills has turned into a life time of tragedy.

On Oct. 7, 14-year-old Katherine Cosson, her mother and some of her brothers and sisters decided to have a little fun at the Walton County Fair.

Katie and her sister Seana climbed aboard a ferris wheel-like ride with enclosed cages called the rock-o-plane.

Katherine's Mother Valerie Cosson says the ride changed life forever.

Karen's note: this is serious. There are a lot of carnival companies out there who don't train their ride attendants well, they are also not well supervised and often very tired and dirty to boot. It is a subject that should be brought to the attention of everyone. Everyone really should help and be concerned about this problem.

Miss the old county fairs? Then Wii's Carnival Games is for you

BY REDMOND CAROLIPIO, LA.COM

Carnivals were never a big thing for me. To be truthful, I thought they were pretty annoying.

So when I tell you that Carnival Games for the Nintendo Wii was a little irritating, that doesn't mean it's a poor title. In fact, it's a decent (but still flawed) virtual distraction for those who either can't make it to a real fair or want to remind themselves of a simpler kind of entertainment.

What's a fair without rides?

For 27% of counties, doing away with the carnival atmosphere puts the focus back on the reason for fairs: kids and their 4-H projects

Posted August 13, 2007
By Cathy Kightlinger
cathy.kightlinger@indystar.com

Most Hoosiers don't raise hogs, horses or heifers.

And many Hoosiers go to their county fairs not only to see prize pumpkins and pigs, but for the cuisine and carnival rides as well.
But this year, nearly a third of Indiana's 92 county fairs shunned midway rides and games, opting instead to keep their fairs low-key and centered on traditional 4-H projects.

Karen's note: A county fair without a carnival? Whats is your opinion?

Attention: Carnivals

Free - advertising on site for Carnivals - effective immediately July 28th, 2007 - alll carnivals can place a graphic of 180 pixels by up to 200 pixels deep below the fairgrounds listing they are booked with. The graphic (or html, table - which is preferred) - will remain with the fair listing until after the fair is over. This is a great "idea" for you to place ticket or special information. FREE

Free Advertising for Carnivals

Countyfairgrounds, USA - Announcement

In an effort to help our site and the various fairgrounds. Effective immediately, we will be offering free advertising to any carnival below their fairgrounds listing. Hopefully, we can offer you, the public some interesting things this way. So, watch your fairgrounds listing.
If you are a carnival wanting to participate in this - please e-mail me asap, karen@countyfairgrounds.net