WINFIELD, Kan. (KAKE) -The Cowley County Fairground Ferris wheel could be seen being hauled off this morning after strong winds knocked it on its side. 

Fairground owner Laney Heiberg said the 30-year-old Ferris wheel is one of the more popular rides and for them, it is a significant loss. 

"Thankfully that is the only ride that sustained any damage - we've gone through and looked at the rest of them to insure that they are safe to operate but sadly, the Ferris wheel is a loss."  

Fair staff work closely with Cowley County emergency management for on-spot forecasting; however, Heiberg said this storm seemed to come out of nowhere, preventing them from taking precautionary measures such as taking the Ferris wheel down. 

Heiberg added, "When winds are up to 70 miles an hour, there's just really nothing you can do with the high rides." 

The storm also damaged barns and tents and also tossed rabbit and chicken cages across the barn.  Unfortunately, one chicken did not survive.  The fairgrounds and surrounding area suffered significant tree damage and also a power outage.  

According to Cowley County Fair Board President Josh Dobbs, the carnival operates their own power but they are dependent on the city's electric to power all of the buildings which include the food courts.  

The fair canceled the Figure 8 race for tonight but were up and running for tonight.