Local family recounts 'terrifying' experience they claim happened on a Racine County fair ride

RACINE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- As fair season continues, one local family is speaking out after their trip to the Racine County fair Thursday, July 24, turned into what they call a scary experience.

Kristina Kornas, a mom of nine, and her husband, took their kids out for what was supposed to be a fun afternoon.

"We decided to go over to the rides and let the kids kind of go and play," Kornas said. 

But when her daughters, ages 15, 12, and 10, decided to go on the Pharaoh's Fury, Kornas said their entire outing turned.

“The only thing keeping us from not slipping out was us grabbing our arms around the bar. Once we started going up high, that’s when we started screaming like we need to get off right now," said 12-year-old Trinity Kornas. “Now I don’t want to go on any of the little rides because it’s terrifying.”

Despite meeting the height requirement for the ride, Kornas said she believes the lap bar was still loose, causing two of her girls to hit their heads.

The family said officials offered them ice and a chance to play games, but that they decided to leave shortly after and call their pediatric nurse.

“She just said, okay, look for these specific things you know if she has any other symptoms of like a concussion or something then bring her in," Kornas said. 

While the girls haven't shown any concussion symptoms, Kornas said she still feels like something was amiss and they won't be back.

“I’m just doing it to spread awareness for safety for all the other kids that are on that ride that could potentially fall out and get seriously injured," Kornas said.

The Racine County Fair sent CBS 58 this statement which reads in full:

"The safety and well-being of all fairgoers is the absolute top priority of the Racine County Fair. Our valued partner, Alpine Amusement Company, undergoes thorough inspections through the state and their insurance company, in addition to the company’s daily inspections. All rides at the Racine County Fair successfully passed their inspections, with no safety concerns."

Donnie Massie, the president of Alpine Amusement Company, also sent CBS 58 a statement which reads in full:

"Safety of carnival patrons is of the utmost importance to us at Alpine Amusement Company. There is not a day that goes by where we do not complete a daily inspection. Furthermore, the State of Wisconsin and our insurance provider conduct regular inspections, most recently this week. Following all inspections, every ride at the Racine County Fair was confirmed safe to operate.

Alpine Amusement Company is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all carnival goers."