SMETHPORT — A late-night video circulating on social media that shows a carnival worker repairing the Ferris wheel at the McKean County Fair with duct tape has stirred concern among area residents.

Fair Board President Tanya Okerlund confirmed to The Era on Thursday that the incident happened around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday. She explained the repair was a temporary measure to secure a broken light bar long enough to unload passengers.

“One of the aluminum brackets holding the light bar broke,” Okerlund said. “It wasn’t a structural piece, but when it came free, they didn’t want to risk it swinging down and hitting anyone.”

The ride was stopped temporarily to make the repair, then resumed operation long enough to unload passengers. After the evacuation, the ride was shut down overnight for more permanent repairs.

Okerlund said Sunshine Amusements, the fair’s longtime carnival partner, performed a full inspection before putting the Ferris wheel back into service Wednesday.

“They have done the appropriate safety checks and we are confident in their repairs,” she said. “If we felt the public was in danger, we would stop the carnival.”

Sunshine Amusements conducts daily safety checks on all rides before opening, Okerlund noted.

“They have always shown us that safety is number one for them,” said Okerlund. “Even in inclement weather, they watch and check their equipment to know if they need to shut down.”

She praised both the carnival owner and fair security officers for their quick responses and open communication.

“We have faith in the carnival owner and her team,” said Okerlund. “She was right there on scene and communicated immediately with our safety officers to keep us all in the loop.”

She also said that safety officers immediately helped take control of the situation and that safety is a high priority for everyone involved in the fair.

“We want everyone to feel safe here when they come to enjoy themselves,” she said.

Despite the reassurance, the video has left some visitors uneasy. Okerlund said the fair board’s priority remains making sure families feel safe while enjoying everything the fair has to offer.

“We understand the public’s concern; we don’t want to see anyone get hurt,” said Okerlund. “It was a valid concern, and I am glad everything was rectified quickly with no injuries.”