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| Updated: 10/09/2012 10:32 am |
Published: 10/04/2012 4:59 pm |
LITTLE ROCK, AR - For the first time in 15 years, the Arkansas State Fair will feature a roller coaster. As of Thursday afternoon though, the roller coaster was in about 1500 pieces on the ground.
When it's assembled, the coaster will be called "The Rip Tide," and it will feature two dips and a few spirals. But it's up to MacNeill Scott of Deggeller Attractions to build it first.
"This will be the place to be, down here at this end," said Scott as his crew started putting the coaster together.
That brings us to the question everybody always asks when it comes to carnival rides -- is it safe?
Scott thinks so, saying, "they're as safe as you can possibly get them."
But if you don't believe him, ask Bernie Leonard of Bernie's Portable Welding. He says he's not the guy who fixes problems. He's the guy who fixes things -- before they become problems.
"Ride it," said an enthusiastic Leonard. "I'm going to."
"The Rip Tide" will be fully assembled by Saturday. For safety reasons, operators will test it throughout the following week. It will actually open to the public one week from Friday.
