Devon Days demanding inspection of fair rides after incidents in Stony Plain

An Alberta town is taking precautions after a woman and child were injured on two separate amusement rides in Stony Plain last week.

BACKGROUND: 2 hospitalized after incidents on amusement rides at Stony Plain rodeo

Organizers for this weekend’s Devon Days say the company operating the Midway rides, Wild Rose Shows, must have all rides recertified by the provincial governing body.

The Town of Devon says it will not consider opening the rides portion of its event if the Alberta Elevating Devices and Ride Safety Association (AEDRSA) goes not give the green light.

“Our requirements have to be met or the rides will not open,” said Devon Mayor Jeff Craddock in a statement. “Without the recertification the rides will not proceed. The safety of our residents is of our utmost importance.”

Two people were hospitalized Friday after two incidents at the Farmers’ Days Rodeo and Exhibition in Stony Plain.

Eighteen-year-old Brianne Garskey was left with around three dozen stitches and significant scrapes and bruises. Her friend Kaleb Starnes sustained a concussion.

After getting onto the “Hurricane” ride, they say they were asked to change seats because the ride needed to be balanced out.

“And as we were moving to the other seat, the ride started,” recounted Starnes. “Even the guy who was sorting people into the seats was still on the platform, and he got hit as well.

“So we were walking to another seat, and when it started up, the cart hit us, and we ended up falling on the mesh that surrounds it, which prevents people from falling off. And another cart ran both of us over, and the third one dragged us a little bit, then it threw us out.”

Hurricane ride, operated by Wild Rose Shows Inc. (Submitted by: Kimberly Weatherall)

A child was injured in an incident five hours earlier on a different ride. Alberta Health Services would not confirm the nature and severity of the child’s injuries.

Those two rides “have been removed from service by the operator,” the Town of Devon says.

The town says Devon Days is prepared to go ahead without any rides should they not pass inspection on time.

AEDARSA told CityNews travelling carnivals are only required to be inspected before the first setup each year.

Sign detailing closure of Midway Rides at Farmers’ Days Rodeo and Exhibition in Stony Plain. (Carly Robinson/CityNews)