The ride company for the Tennessee State Fair did not have a working permit to operate the midway two days before the opening day.
According to the Tennessee Department of Workforce & Labor Development, the permit of North American Midway Entertainment was expired as of August 20, a few weeks after the ride company applied for a new permit.
A state spokesperson said the Amusement Device Unit was still waiting on updated inspection reports for five rides.
Reports show 26 rides were already inspected and passed by an inspector with the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials by the first week of August.
The state requires amusement companies to get an annual working permit with an inspection of all the rides.
Managers with the company said they have never had problems with the state before. They believe a new requirement to take pictures of rides most likely stalled the process.
The requirement started last month in response to the Ferris wheel attack in East Tennessee.
Nashville is the only city in the state North American Midway Entertainment is working in. Organizers have worked the fair for the past seven years.
As of Wednesday night, the company was re-investigating rides to complete the permit.
On Thursday, those with state confirmed 26 of the 28 rides had been issued permits. The last two, the Wacky Worm and the Merry Go Round, have been set to be completed Friday.
The state fair manager was confident rides would be up and running by Friday. Those with the state said only a ride called the Sizzler has not been authorized to operate in Tennessee.
