3-9-17 questions over proposed carnival ride operator at walleye weekend

The Fond du Lac city council has voted in favor of a proposal to allow a Midway at Walleye Weekend on a one year trial, but there are questions about the proposed Midway Operator.  The council approved the resolution at their meeting Wednesday evening.  Fond du lac Festivals has proposed hiring  Spectrum Entertainment out of Ironwood, Michigan to provide rides, games and two food trailers in an area near Frazier Point.   The Department of Safety and Professional Services oversees Wisconsin Amusement rides and since 2014 DSPS records show 50 ride inspections have resulted in violations for Spectrum at a dozen sites.  The assistant deputy secretary of DSPS,  Jeff Wiegand, told the Green Bay Press Gazette last summer the agency does more inspections of Spectrum than anybody else because  “we know they are shady operators.”   That came as a surprise to Fond du lac Festivals Board president and city councilmember, Karen Merkel.  “Yes it does surprise me.  I would have thought that we had really done our homework on that and I’m surprised that I didn’t hear about this until now,”  Merkel told WFDL news.   Fond du Lac assistant police chief Steve Klein says its up to Fond du Lac Festivals to check the background of the vendors they bring into Walleye Weekend.    “I think that’s something Fond du Lac Festivals needs to do the proper vetting.  That’s something that them and their board need to look at,”  Klein said.  “Public safety at these types of events is paramount.” Klein adds the carnival rides will also require additional police staffing to ensure safety.  “Well have to add some additional resources to that area because you’re extending the perimeter of the event further out to the west.  We’ll put some additional staffing in place to address those concerns.”