The Panhandle South Plains Fair is gearing up for hundreds of visitors to visit as they kick off the fair this Thursday. They say they want everyone to have a great time, but safety remains their top priority.
“We have always passed safety inspections with flying colors, and we’re going to be just as safe here,” said Richard Reithoffer, president of the Reithoffer shows.
The Reithoffer carnival is the oldest traveling carnival in the United States, with a history spanning over a hundred years. Reithoffer says they are still in business because of their emphasis on safety.
“I have employees that have been with me for 40 to 50 years,” said Reithoffer. “You have to have experienced employees as a lot of these rides are very technical, and need very well-trained people.”
Reithoffer says in the five generations his family has been in charge, he can’t remember a time where there’s been an accident involving a guest. However, should it ever happen, he said they are more than ready.
“There is a safety procedure for every one of these rides to makes sure that we don’t have any kind of issue,” said Reithoffer. “If it happens we know what to do, and we’ll get everyone out safe.”
Jennifer Wallace, the general manager for the South Plains Fair, says she added more than 30 Lubbock officers to the fair grounds to patrol for any problems.
“Police will always be walking in sight of everyone, and if they see anything alarming, I’m sure that they will jump right in to help,” said Wallace.
Despite the security measures put in place, should someone get hurt, Wallace says help will quickly be on the way.
“We have first aid stationed right here on the grounds,” said Wallace. “They’ve done this for years and will do anything from a headache to a band-aid to calling an ambulance if need be.”
For more information on ticket prices and special discounts offered throughout the week, you can check them out HERE.
