CINCINNATI -- The accident that killed one person and hurt seven others at the Ohio State Fair this week has local festivals making sure they've done all they can to keep things safe.
At the Our Lady of Lourdes Family Festival, rides will spring into action Friday night. They've been checked and double-checked to make sure things stay safe over the three-day event.
Brian Sponaugle, the chairman of the festival, said he is focused on delivering a safe and secure event.
"We do everything we can to make sure our patrons are safe from a security standpoint, from a ride standpoint, but you just never know, and we do our best," he said.
Murray Brothers is providing the rides for the festival. State inspectors looked them over Friday morning, and company workers checked them as well.
"We do everything we can planning-wise, safety-wise, and we think we're prepared," Sponaugle said.
Murray Brothers is also running rides for Greater Anderson Days. Inspectors on hand Friday checked the stairs, seats, restraints and electrical connections.
Township Trustee Andy Pappas said it's the event's 19th year.
"The tragedy in Columbus just highlights how everyone has to do your job twice and double-check everything twice because the first priority is the safety of our families and the safety of the people coming here to the festivals," he said.
The Anderson Park District works with the Hamilton County Sheriff, fire department and Murrary Brothers to make it a fun family experience.
Ken Kushman is the park district's executive director.
"Planning for any event that's unexpected is certainly tough," he said. "We'll do the best we can. We handle things as they come along."
Greater Anderson Days opened at 5 p.m. The highlight of Friday evening will be the Anderson's Got Talent live show. The Lady of Lourdes festival opens at 6 p.m. They have a beer garden and will have live entertainment on each of its three nights.
