PHOTOS: Families, artists, performers: Faces of the 2025 SC State Fair

The South Carolina State Fair ran from Oct. 8 to 19, 2025, on Rosewood Drive in Columbia, South Carolina, offering a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The state fair draws an annual crowd of over 400,000 people from the Southeastern United States and beyond, showcasing all types of talent from across the state. From live performers walking the streets of the fairgrounds to a carnival under the big tent, the fair evoked a mix of emotions from its visitors and exhibitionists alike.

Newberry, South Carolina, residents Tiayana (left) and Truth (right) ride a merry-go-round-style attraction at the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 13, 2025. The state fair hosts more than 400,000 visitors from across the Southeastern region and beyond each year.

Washboard Willy performs for visitors at the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 10, 2025. The fair offered numerous live performances, including a circus, multiple musical stages and performers walking in the streets.

Three girls ride a spinning cart ride at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11, 2025. Attendees of the fair were able to purchase ticket cards that allowed them to ride various carnival rides.

Cedarburg, Wisconsin, resident Nick rides one of the carnival rides at the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 13, 2025. The State Fair offered more than 60 rides during this year's event.

Karen Pressley rides down the Fun Slide with her granddaughter, Ellie, at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 10, 2025. Pressley traveled from Greenwood, South Carolina, to visit the fair in Columbia.

A father takes a photo of his children riding a merry-go-round-style ride at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 13, 2025. The fair ran from Oct. 8 to 19 at the state fairgrounds on Rosewood Drive.

Prosperity, South Carolina, resident Warden lays on the ground in front of his brother Drew at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 10, 2025. The fair offered numerous activities, including rides, carnival games, food vendors, livestock competitions and live performers.

Orlando, Florida, resident Sara Davis draws a caricature of two people at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 10, 2025. The fair ran from Oct. 8 to 19.

A young boy holds a prize he won from a carnival game at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 10, 2025. The fair celebrated a theme of "Harvesting Happiness," offering rides, carnival games, food, livestock and performances for visitors.

Two young men feed a duo of goats at the petting zoo at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11, 2025. In addition to goats, there were also cows, llamas and camels present.