D.C. Officials Will Inspect State Fair Ferris Wheel

Between the algae in the Reflecting Pool, the chewed-up grass on the Ellipse and the parade of artists dropping out of a chaotically planned Great American State Fair concert series, it would be reasonable for anyone to think twice before getting into a Ferris wheel erected as part of the same semiquincentennial festivities.

But according to city officials, the wheel should be a safe option. While organizers of the White House UFC fight declined to go through the city’s regulatory process, the amusement ride has been assessed by both city and independent inspectors, said Corey Bowen, public information officer for the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

D.C. safety inspectors aren’t normally involved in events on federal land, but the National Park Service requested the city send its experts to perform safety checks on the Ferris wheel, Bowen told City Cast DC. A third-party inspection agency is also doing its own review.

Both groups are set to do a second round of reviews Wednesday, he said.

Talley Amusements, the operator of the amusement ride, brought it all the way from Texas and began assembling it about a week ago, according to a social media post. The company works with county and state fairs in several states, including Texas, Ohio, Minnesota and California.

The Ferris wheel, which is seven blocks from the Capitol, opens Thursday and the free rides will run through the end of the fair on July 10.

The Great American State Fair hasn’t been the most appealing venue for celebrities and businesses. Most musical acts billed to perform have pulled out, citing the fair’s close ties to President Donald Trump. Eight states, including Massachusetts, North Carolina and Oregon, also said they won’t be participating. And despite being listed among the local restaurants feeding fairgoers, some said they had no such plan. The owners of Bub and Pop’s, a downtown sandwich shop, told Axios they never agreed to be a vendor.