Fried food, throwback musical artists define annual event
Every year, our capital city gears up for a week-and-a-half-long party. Countless rides, food vendors and entertainment stages will pop up overnight, lighting up the fairgrounds with a buzz of electric energy and old-time music, an open invitation to thousands of South Carolina residents near and far to come and revel. There are plenty of reasons to visit the fair this year, but since it’s a mere two weeks away, here are a few of the best.
1. Everything Is Fried
Let’s be honest here. The real reason many of us go to the fair is because it’s socially accepted to walk around with a hamburger patty smashed between two glazed doughnuts. And since it’s just not the same (and rather dangerous) to fry your own food at home, fairgoers can indulge in smothered and covered delicacies like Oreo cookies, Snickers, corn and sweet potatoes. And we’re all eagerly anticipating this year’s new menu additions, wacky burgers, and secretly hoping what’s so “wacky” about them is a much-needed calories cut.
2. Old School Music
The South Carolina State Fair has hosted a number of national acts over the years, including the Avett Brothers and the Roots. This year on the Pepsi Grandstand is certainly no different, serving up a delightful mix of old and new. Although Hot Chelle Rae and O.A.R. are set to take the stage during the fair’s run, patrons can expect a little throwback flavor as well. R&B crooners Boyz II Men are on tap to take the stage, melting female hearts everywhere with their soulful vibes and sweet, sensual harmonies. Also on the bill are classic rock icons the Doobie Brothers, whose deeply Southern sound is tailor-made for the fair.
3. Barney Fife
You may not have grown up getting your hair cut at Floyd’s Barbershop or eating Aunt Bee’s apple pie in Mayberry, but now you can at least pretend. The fair will feature Columbia’s own version of “The Andy Griffith Show’s” bungling sheriff’s deputy, complete with uniform and wide-eyed look of confusion. You can find him lurking around all over the fairgrounds and keeping visitors in line. Andy not included.
4. Pig Racing
Yes, this is a sport. And yes, it is awesome. While the star of the show is the amazing Swifty, who takes to the water oinker-deep as he paddles his way around a massive 8-foot tank, the real show comes from the pigs dashing ruthlessly around the track. They run, they squeak, dirt flies and a fast-talking announcer is there to narrate it all. It’s more fun than watching an NFL game during the referee lockout — and probably has a fairer outcome.
5. There's a Kiddy Pageant
With the explosion of Honey Boo-Boo, there’s a newfound love for child pageantry, and the State Fair is ready to deliver. The preliminaries for the South Carolina Prince and Princess pageant will be held at the fair, giving some native tots the chance to show off their homegrown talents for the chance to take home a tiny tiara. Who knows — maybe you’ll catch this year’s winner on TLC next spring.
6. People Watching
The people you happen to see at the State Fair are unlike people you’ll see anywhere else. It’s one of, if not the, best places to scour for fascinating people because it brings together South Carolinians from every corner of the state. Just grab a corn dog, park it at a table and peel your eyes. There’s no limit to the number of screaming children, mullets and ill-fitting halter tops you can catch.
7. Get on a Ride
OK, so the rides are a little rickety. It certainly doesn’t help that most of them were erected in the time it takes someone to brush their teeth. But you can’t deny that the spinning, twirling ups and downs bring us all back to the days of our childhood. Classics include the bumper cars, Graviton and the Mega Drop, and haunted mansions and flume rides for the youngsters. Extra tips: Take to the rides prior to digging into the fair fare. Also, stay away from anyone on the ride who clearly has not followed this rule.
