Two weeks after a devastating interstate accident, the Nebraska State Fair's big new attraction is cleared for takeoff.
The much-anticipated new attraction at the fair goes sky high just days after a crash on the interstate put the sky tram in jeopardy.
State Fair Executive Director Joseph McDermott said, "You have to give credit to Wade Shows plus others within our organization that have really pulled together to find parts to get everything up and moving. A good feeling at this point."
Officials are adamant they did not cut corners.
"Absolutely not. Any of the parts that were destroyed, new parts were brought in," McDermott said.
The ride's been inspected at multiple levels. Wade Shows, the amusement operator, brought in a specialist. But even the city looked at it.
City Building Department Director Craig Lewis said, "Ride itself we don't get involved in but we certainly do foundation, services to them - electrical, plumbing, water, gas, anything connected to it."
Just a day before start of the fair, they fired it up. Only they did so with 50 gallon barrels instead of paying customers. The 400 pound weight simulates a two-person ride.
McDermott said, "It passed with flying colors. It's certainly safe, should be absolutely no issues with this ride."
Flying colors indeed, 40 feet in the air with a bird's eye view of the fairgrounds in Grand Island.
"It's a beautiful ride, a lot of color to it. Going to be exciting to those who want to take a ride on it this year," McDermott said.
