Wendell Thach likes to make people sick.

“If I don’t make at least one person sick a day, I’m not doing my job,” Thach said Monday afternoon as he and co-worker Phillip Rhoads finished setting up the Super Loop.

The Super Loop is one of about 20 rides set to open today with the Reed Expositions Midway carnival at the Douglas County Free Fair. The carnival will operate through Saturday at the fairgrounds east of 21st and Harper streets.

The Super Loop consists of a string of cars that circle repeatedly inside a big loop, putting people upside-down at the top. It could make some ill.

Carnival workers spent Monday setting up rides, booths and other attractions along the midway. Meanwhile, exhibitors and contestants continued setting up, with some judging set to begin today.

Crews working for the carnival put up and take down the rides so often, they could do it in their sleep, said ride supervisor Halley Rollins.

“We dream about it,” he said, adding that the rides are inspected daily to ensure safety.

Many of the carnival workers have been in the business for years; many of their families have been doing it for generations. Thach, who left a construction job 15 years ago to join the carnival, said he had relatives who once worked in the business.

“The people you work with are straight with you,” he said. “If we ran the U.S. government like we run a carnival, we wouldn’t have this mess that we have.”

Children who live near the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds get a sneak preview of the carnival rides, which will light up this evening on the first full day of the Douglas County Free Fair. Touring the midway Monday are, from left, Courtney Goodlett, 11, her brother Cody, 8 and Corey Taylor.

Also today, 4-H members will continue bringing animals to the fair’s stock sheds. Most judging begins Wednesday.

“Everything’s marked,” said Margaret Kalb, executive secretary for the county fair board. “The kids will be grouped according to their 4-H club.”

Including animals and other exhibits in this year’s fair, entries total about 6,100, Kalb said. That doesn’t include any open-class exhibits, which could add another 2,000 entries, she said.

Buildings will be closed while judging is in progress.

Tickets are still available for Saturday night’s concerts by Dixie Road and Asleep At the Wheel. Prices are $15 and $25. Tickets can be purchased at the fair board office at the fairgrounds.

¢ Fair puts on display of horsepower (7-28-03)¢ Free Fair festivities offer fans weeklong taste of rustic delights (7-27-03)¢Schedule of events¢Douglas County Free Fair

Tickets for Friday night’s demolition derby go on sale at noon Wednesday at the fair board office. The price is $10.