Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for — the South Carolina State Fair is back in town. While it’s normally overrun with tailgating, for the next two weeks the fairgrounds are being used for what nature intended.
From Oct. 8 to Oct. 19, the fair is a sweet escape from midterms for USC students. You’re in South Carolina — go ahead and have that deep-fried snickers bar. You’ve earned it.
Food at the Fair
The Columbia State Fair has a crazy amount of attractions for every sort of person, but the one thing everyone can agree on is the food. Whether it’s a deep-fried Oreo or the winner of the Great American Spam Championship, there should be some tasty morsel for you.
There are more than 90 food stands to visit at the Fair, ranging from old favorites like “Elephants Ears” or corn dogs to Greek gyros and London broil. There’s real food — try the shish kabobs or the tempura — or pig out with cheese curds and turkey legs.
The Fair is introducing four new foodstuffs this year, and they’re all inspired choices. First off is the “Ramen noodle burger,” brainchild of constant burger experimenters the Reas family. The two “buns” of the burger are Ramen noodles laced with beef broth, and nestled in between are two green onions, Asian sauce, a dollop of coleslaw and a 4-ounce hamburger patty. You can buy it at Carousel Foods (Location #80).
It’s surprising that they haven’t been at the Fair before, but chicken & waffles are making their debut this year. It’s a classic soul food concoction courtesy of Bianco’s Foods in Anderson, South Carolina. You can eat it at their stand, Bianco’s Foods (Location #121).
Then there’s this succulent morsel: the pecan cinnamon roll sundae, cooked up by Grandma Brown’s Cinnamon Rolls (Location #221). It’s a pecan cinnamon roll in a bowl surrounded by two scoops of butter pecan ice cream, caramel drizzle and cinnamon crusted pecans. It should be delectable, but make sure to hold off on the roller coasters for a while after!
Do you feel the need for some veggies before you eat your dessert? Then Deliplace (Location #227) will come to the rescue with their fried vegetables — it is the fair, after all. Enjoy their blooming onions, fried pickles and fried green tomatoes with the knowledge that you’re being kind of healthy ... sort of.
Daily Events
SWIFTY SWINE
As much as everyone loves pigs, the fair has found an event to make the adoration for pigs grow. Swifty Swine is a nationwide traveling pig race. So gather ’round as they strap on their numbers and run as fast as they can.
BARNYARD CACKLE REVIEW
These singing poultry puppets have quite the national image. Traveling from fair to fair, the Barnyard Cackle Review is family-friendly complete with six feathery friends.
BRONKAR
Beatboxers aren’t unusual, and neither are jugglers — what about a combination of the two? On stage Bronkar mixes music, comedy and skill into an entertaining act for anyone, making him one of a kind.
CHEFS AT WORK
Everyday in the Cantey Building, chefs from all over South Carolina will be showing off their cooking talents. It may make you hungry, but these culinary professionals put on quite a show.
Insider Deals
Opening Day Special
To kick off the fair this Wednesday, tickets will only be sold at the gate and the price will be reduced to $1. The gates and buildings will open at noon, but the games, rides and petting zoo will not open until 3 p.m. In addition to the reduced price, free parking is available in any fair lot.
College Day
This Thursday, Oct. 9, will be the day dedicated to all college students, whether they be Gamecocks, Tigers, Cougars or Pirates. By showing a valid school ID, students can get in for free this night only.
Lunch Deal
Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m., the fair is offering a lunch coupons. With a five-dollar cash deposit, fair-goers will receive a “Lunch Deal Coupon.” As long as attendees leave by 2 p.m., they will get their cash deposit back on the way back out.
Military Appreciation
To show appreciation of our troops, the State Fair is offering free admission to military personnel. By showing a military photo ID, he or she and their dependents will be admitted to any of the 12 days that the fair will be up and running.
