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A TikTok video showing the wooden blocks underneath a ride at the North Carolina State Fair left some viewers swearing they’d never ride a fair ride again.
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But those blocks aren’t new. And they’re pretty common when you know where to look.
Some amusement rides have built-in leveling jacks, while others need wood blocks to create a “level, stable foundation,” according to John Waugh, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Labor.
“During inspections, NCDOL inspectors evaluate each ride’s leveling and support systems, verifying that the ride is properly levels, that the blocking is correctly positioned and that the ride’s weight is properly distributed across its supports to prevent shifting or movement during operations,” he said in an emailed statement to The News & Observer. “These checks are critical to ensuring each ride is securely set up and remains stable throughout operation.”
In the video, the words “NC FAIR….why is this the coaster support” are written across the video and the caption states “You won’t catch me on a single fair ride.” The video shows a portion of a ride, identified in the comments as the Dragon Coaster, with two large wooden blocks and two smaller wood board that appeared snapped in two.
Some commenters said they wouldn’t ride portable amusement rides, in general, while others said they’ve seen the blocks before at past fairs. The video gained nearly 750,000 views and 70,000 hearts, with many comments.
“Stronger than a 20-year marriage,” wrote one commenter.
The N&O reached out to the TikTok poster and will update this story once a response is received.
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On Tuesday, Oct. 20, The N&O observed several rides on the Powers Great American Midway and Kiddieland, the children areas, had blocks underneath them. Some were thin, flat pieces of wood while others more closely resembled scrap lumber.
The Department of Labor inspected all rides before they are allowed to have riders, and ride operators are required to hold inspections before rides open to the public and maintain daily inspection logs documenting those checks, Waugh said.
“NCDOL has inspected all 94 rides at the State Fair, with more than 1,000 hours dedicated to these inspections,” he said. “Our inspectors also conduct daily operational checks from opening to closing, monitoring ride conditions and safety-related components to help ensure rides remain safe for fairgoers.”
The fair is open through Sunday, Oct. 25.
Twin Twister, Casino and the American 250 Wheel (a 230-foot tall Ferris wheel) were added to the Midway this year.
Riders should check height requirements, and children especially should not ride if they do not meet the height requirement, according to the Department of Labor.
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Portions of this article previously appeared in The News & Observer.
This story was originally published October 20, 2026 at 4:59 PM.