Ferris Wheel Marriages Not Unusual For State Fair Chaplains

There's plenty of fun, fried food and funnel cakes at the fair, but there's also a little bit of faith.

Somewhere in the packed crowd is Randy Shaddox, one of about 45 chaplains volunteering their time to visit with people working the rides and games. 

"If they're not busy, I always try to ask 'Where are you from? How long has it been since you've seen your family?" Shaddox said. 

They make a point to visit with them each day.

"Most of the carnies out here aren't treated like real people." He said. 

Jason is from Louisiana and hasn't been home in eight months. 

Shaddox prayed with Jason saying, "Father, I lift up Jason to you. I pray that you take care of him, take care of his family. Lord, give him a great time out here at the fair. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

Chaplains also perform weddings at the fair. They've even done some on the Ferris Wheel. 

"I told them at the wedding, I said, 'well your marriage has already got its ups and downs’" Shaddox said. 

"Somebody got married out here and they had their 25th anniversary and I re-married them again." He said. 

Walker Moore said this is the 30th year the chaplains have been at the fair, taking care of all kind of needs, like helping families who get separated, and praying with parents if they want.
"Well if your child's lost - who knows better where to find them than God?" Moore said. 

But it's not about preaching, Walker said,  

"We got Church of Christ, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostals. Anybody who wants to serve and love" he said. 

He said it’s just about taking the time to care.