PHOTOS: SC State Fair brings Rosewood Drive to life, celebrates ‘Harvesting Happiness’

The South Carolina State Fair has returned to Columbia on Rosewood Drive, promoting a special theme of "Harvesting Happiness" for this year's fair. Running from Oct. 8 through Oct. 19, the fair offers more than 60 rides, food vendors, agriculture exhibits and live entertainment for attendees of all ages. The South Carolina State Fair sees more than 400,000 visitors each year from across the Southeastern United States and contributes to families in the community through academic scholarships. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, online or at participating Circle K stores.

A group of children ride the "Family Swinger" at the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 13, 2025. The State Fair has over 60 rides and a variety of carnival games, food vendors and live entertainment.

"Paz the Sports Guy" performs tricks during his show at the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 13, 2025. "Paz the Sports Guy" was one of many roaming acts at the state fair.

A ferris wheel at the South Carolina State Fair operates with riders on Oct. 14, 2025. The fair has more than 60 rides this year, in addition to carnival games and live entertainment.

A group of people walk through "Rosewood Lane" at the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 13, 2025. The fair is running from Oct. 8 to Oct. 19 and is located across from Williams-Brice Stadium.

A funnel cake from one of the food vendors at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 10, 2025. The fair has over 90 different food stands that serve a variety of traditional and non-traditional fair cuisine.

Visitors ride the "Sky Ride" at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 10, 2025. The ride offers a panoramic view above the fairgrounds and is a staple every year for visitors.

Hand balancing artist Ian Faraonel and his assistant perform an acrobatic balancing act during the circus at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11, 2025. Faraonel has also appeared in the Super American Circus and the Jaffa Shrine Circus.

A little boy feeds one of the goats at the Commerford Petting Zoo at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 10, 2025. The Commerfords have been raising domestic and exotic animals for over 50 years.

A rainbow arches over the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11, 2025. The fair will run from Oct. 8 to Oct. 18, and tickets can be purchased online, at the gate or at participating Circle K stores.

John Tanner heats up metal before checking its temperate to proceed to the next step at the Blacksmith Exhibition at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 10, 2025. Tanner is a member of the Philip Simmons Blacksmith Guild.

Attendees swing upside down on the "Delusion" ride at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 10, 2025. The fair hosts more than 400,000 visitors each year from across the Southeastern United States.

Attendees at the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, South Carolina get ready to play the “Water Race” on Oct. 14, 2025. The fair offers a variety of games, rides, food and live entertainment for visitors from across South Carolina and many neighboring states.

A hispanic band performs on the main stage near the South Gate at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11, 2025. Various musical acts will perform over the days that the fair is open.

South Carolina State Fair attendees ride the "Ring of Fire" on Oct. 13, 2025. The ride, one of over five dozen at the fair, reaches a height of 60 feet.