Fried snacks, fun rides on way back to Columbia for annual state festival
Towering mechanical rides, big-name performers, elephants, livestock and the guilt-inducing aroma of frying oil are making their way to the area around Williams-Brice Stadium, sure signs that the 142nd annual South Carolina State Fair is less than 24 hours away.
The fair will open at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, and will run until Sunday, Oct. 23.
In addition to staple rides from the big wheel to the Polar Express and traditional deep-fried fare, the State Fair will also showcase state agriculture and business with an interactive cow-milking exhibit, a Thank-a-Farmer magic show, craft demonstrations and a Famously Hot Chef Showdown among three of Columbia’s top restaurant owners.
This year’s Pepsi Grandstand lineup boasts performances from an opening act by G. Love & Special Sauce to Trace Adkins.
A South Carolina tradition since its foundation in 1869 by the State Agricultural and Mechanical Society (SAMC), the event has attracted thousands from all over the state to celebrate South Carolina’s industry, agriculture and heritage.
Last year’s fair brought in 500,000 patrons over 12 days, according to marketing director Nancy Smith.
A privately funded organization, the State Fair has distributed its revenue to nonprofits throughout South Carolina, including more than $1 million to youth education, according to Smith.
Smith said SAMC will award 50 $6,000 scholarships to South Carolina high school students over the next four years.
Smith has been worked for the State Fair for the past 30 years, but her memories of the fair date back to the 1960s, when her father would take vacation time from work to bring her family to the event.
Each year, she looks forward to seeing other families take time to reconnect at the celebration, which, this year, takes the theme title “Find Your Happy.”
“It’s really a family tradition,” Smith said. “Everyone in the family from the youngest to the oldest should be able to have fun at the fair. It’s fun, exciting and educational.”
This year’s state fair will also celebrate Columbia’s 225th birthday with free admission on Oct. 19 for all City of Columbia employees and their families.
Opening day admission for the fair is $1.
Gate price for the rest of the fair’s running is $10 for adults and free for military, not including charges for ride coupons and food.
However, tickets can still be purchased today for $5 at SCStateFair.org and Bi-Lo stores.