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The South Carolina State Fair, the title of the state’s largest event, will be held in Columbia from Oct. 9-20, bringing 12 days of live entertainment, food and experiences to the Midlands.
This year’s fair will feature more than a dozen new food products, the debut of South Carolina Grown Marketplace and Rocket Plaza, as well as South Carolina-themed exhibits representing all 46 counties.
“Guests can look forward to many Fair favorites with surprises around every corner, including new Fair food, several South Carolina-themed attractions, and local shopping opportunities.”SC State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith said in a news release. “From agricultural and art contests to crafts and historical demonstrations, there are many opportunities to learn about and see the amazing work and talent of our fellow South Carolinians.”
The South Carolina State Fair, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, has implemented new traffic patterns to make it easier to get to and from the fairgrounds. The fair has also updated its clear bag policy and expanded its youth admission policy to enhance security and promote a family-friendly environment, the release said.
“We are always looking for ways to enhance the SC State Fair experience for our guests, and this year is no exception,” Smith said in a release. “We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and fun environment where everyone can create lasting memories.”
new attraction
New attractions include the South Carolina Grown Marketplace and the “46 Reasons to Celebrate South Carolina” exhibit.
Located in the Rosewoods Ballroom, the South Carolina Grown Marketplace allows attendees to experience the spirit of South Carolina while supporting local businesses. Explore a variety of handcrafted items, fresh produce, and unique treasures all made, grown, and crafted in South Carolina.
The 46 Reasons exhibit reveals the history, culture, and beauty of every corner of the Palmetto State through exhibits dedicated to each of the 46 counties. In addition to the opportunity to learn something new, fairgoers will also have the opportunity to mark their county on a giant map. Special guests and entertainers are also scheduled to visit during the exhibition. The exhibit is located in the Rough Building and is included with admission to the fair.
Located near the iconic Rocket and North Gate, Rocket Plaza is an entertainment-packed area with plenty of spots to grab a bite, refuel, and relax.
Entertainment at Rocket Plaza includes:
Cast in Bronze, by world-class musician Charlie St. Cyr-Paul, showcases the majestic sound of the carillon, the world’s largest percussion instrument. “Farmer’s Daughter” is a high-energy, farm-themed show featuring a fun mix of Molly gymnastics, rope tricks, and a unique milk bottle walk. The Silver Starlets strive to deliver engaging, high-energy aerial performances on 20-foot trapeze rigs that combine strength, grace, and humor. The Major League Sports Show is hosted by Pass the Sports Guy. The doubleheader features the Major League Circus Show, which combines baseball and acrobatics, followed by Touchdown Circus, which combines the excitement of soccer with circus performances.
food and drink
The SC State Fair features over 90 food stalls offering a variety of food for food lovers. In addition to classics like footlong corn dogs, elephant ears, lemonade, turkey legs, and fried Oreos, we offer more than a dozen new food and drink options like strawberry dragonfruit lemonade, poutine burgers, and peach cobbler funnel cake. You can enjoy it. , fried golden Oreos and more. For the second year in a row, you can pair cookies with hot or iced coffee from Oliver Gospel Mission in addition to the hot cookies and milk available at Pro Kitchen Cookie Kitchen. To learn more about the new food offerings and see a map of all food vendors, visit scstatefair.org/food.
vehicles and games
There are about 70 types of rides in the lineup, ranging from thrill rides to family rides. The fair offers rides for one price each day. Patrons can enjoy unlimited rides all day long during the fair, including weekends. Alternatively, you can choose a reloadable card containing 90 ride tickets that can be used over multiple days during the fair. For more information, visit www.scstatefair.org/attractions/rides/.
entertainment
The SC State Fair features an entertainment lineup that includes daily shows such as the circus at the fair, live music on the Pepsi Place Stage and Academic Avenue Stage, roaming entertainers throughout the fairgrounds, and historical demonstrations in the Heritage Village. It’s a feature.
Circus at the Fair: This free daily event is back for the first time in five years, featuring fresh new artists and new shows. The circus, located next to the Ellison Building near the South Gate entrance, performs three 40-minute shows each day. Shows start at 2pm, 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Admission is free every day with a fair admission ticket. Led by ringmaster Ian Garden, the circus’ acts include performances such as acrobatics, clowning, juggling, aerial stunts and human cannonballs. Pepsi Place Stage: Performers include The Tams, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. The Best of Everything, A Tribute to Tom Petty, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. Dracula, Sneak Peek by South Carolina Ballet, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. Cloverdale, Oct. 12, 7 p.m. Columbia’s Plays SC State Fair Unity Fest, hosted by Columbia’s Plays 95.7 FM, October 13th at 4 p.m. Military Veterans Band, Oct. 14, noon. British Mania, Beatles Tribute Band, Oct. 14, 7 p.m. Jason Sykes Tributes Elvis, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. ABBAMANIA — Abba Memorial, Oct. 16, 7 p.m. Tokyo Joe, October 17th at 7pm. Eloveation, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Marcel Portilla Band, October 19th, 7pm. Melvin Crispell III to perform at South Carolina State Fair’s WFMV Glory Night, Oct. 20, 4 p.m., Main Street Entertainment: Palmetto State singer Carl Brunson returns to the South Carolina State Fair this year with pop, variety and Motown. Combined to serenade fair attendees, blues, etc. Academic Avenue Stage: Musical shows, comedians, and even hypnosis are part of the Academic Avenue Stage show lineup for audiences of all ages. Onstage appearances will include a boiled peanut eating contest, the Dennis Lee Band, country musician Jess Kelly Adams, comedian Ron Diamond, and sibling trio Renata the Band. The Netterfield Stage will host intermittent shows by Michael Mango from October 9th to 13th, and J. Scott Thompson and J. Scott Thompson from October 14th to 20th. Mobile performances during the fair include clown, stilt and unicycle performances.
The Heritage Village offers visitors a journey into the past, featuring restored historic buildings, traditional crafts, and demonstrations showcasing the daily lives of early settlers. This year’s exhibit features two newcomers to the field. Albert A. Rusch is an artisan and primitive technology expert who focuses on historical reenactment and metalwork, while Kaleo Simmons will exhibit traditional woodwork and create handmade items such as spoons, barrels, and bows. Demonstrate and see the craftsmanship of the past.
The South Carolina State Fair celebrates the talent of local gardeners, artisans, and artists through a variety of exhibits and contests. The Chianti Building’s floral exhibit will feature potted plants, cut flowers, new South Carolina native plants and design contests, while the Moore Building will feature crafts, quilting, baking and more, including new contests such as the SC Dip Showdown and Spirits. creative works are on display. Carolina Award.
Agriculture, livestock and animals
The South Carolina State Fair has deep roots in agriculture, with a variety of competitions and exhibits highlighting the state’s agricultural traditions. Visitors can enjoy the From Field to Fair program, which features displays of homegrown produce, the new SC Seed Art-iculture contest featuring a seed mosaic, and interactive games about agriculture and sustainability.
McLeod Farm’s daily showcase in the Ellison Building features locally made and grown produce, and the livestock exhibit provides an up-close look at the farm’s animals and their care. New this year is the Spirit of South Carolina Youth Horse Costume Contest, as well as attractions such as Swifty Pig Racing Pigs and the Comerford Petting Zoo.
For a complete list of daily and special promotions, visit www.scstatefair.org/plan-your-visit/promotions/. For a daily calendar of events, visit www.scstatefair.org/fair-calendar.
New youth admission policy
To promote a family-friendly environment, the SC State Fair has updated its Youth Admission Policy, which outlines important guidelines for minors attending the fair. From Sunday to Thursday after 5pm, guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 21 or over to enter the venue. Throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, all guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is 21 years of age or older to enter the fairgrounds.