The South Carolina State Fair returns Oct. 12-23 with a full lineup of traditional favorites along with rides, foods, entertainment, as well as a traveling moon exhibition, and the return of the CIRCUS at the Fair.
Photo by Forrest Clonts
COLUMBIA — The 153rd South Carolina State Fair returns Oct. 12-23 with a full lineup of traditional favorites and a variety of new rides, foods, entertainment, as well as a traveling moon exhibition and the return of the CIRCUS at the Fair.
“As the state’s largest event, we take pride that we’re able to showcase South Carolina’s best in food, agriculture, music, and much more,” said S.C. State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith. “We can’t wait for our guests to have a taste of what makes our state so great — its people and traditions. This year’s South Carolina State Fair will be out of this world with many fair classics you’ve come to expect, but with the addition of so many new and exciting offerings.”
Food and beverages
With more than 90 food stands, guests will find everything — from innovative indulgences (fried cookie dough and donut burgers), to S.C. State Fair staples (Fiske fries and foot-long corn dogs), to lighter fare (the ultimate Greek salad) — luring all types of food lovers from across the state. Guests can enjoy a variety of new food options this year, including Steak Poutine Sundae, cookies and cream topped funnel cakes and elephant ears, fried Moon Pies, and watermelon ice tea. Plus, warm cookies and milk await guests in the expanded cookie kitchen, located in the Rosewoods Salon. Check out the new food concessions map at SCStateFair.org/foodmap.
Rides and fun
With 60 rides, this year’s S.C. State Fair is sure to create out-of-this-world memories — from sky-high thrillers to family-friendly fun rides, including the following new rides:
– Flying Jumbos: This adorable kiddie ride sends kids spinning in delight high in the air.
–The Money Maze: This monkey-themed, kid-friendly maze is packed with fun and surprise for the kiddos.
–Giant Vertigo: Get a breathtaking aerial view as the Giant Vertigo takes riders on a high-swing thrill ride!
–Sky Screamer: If you don’t like heights and going fast – stay away from this ride! But, if you like a thrill, have a seat.
The S.C. State Fair will feature Pay-One-Price (POP) ride days every day. Patrons can enjoy unlimited rides by exchanging a ride voucher for a POP wristband at specially marked ticket booths.
Entertainment
The following entertainment highlights will take place at this year’s S.C. State Fair.
–CIRCUS at the Fair: The free, daily CIRCUS at the Fair is returning for a third year and will feature a new tent, fresh new acts and a never-before-seen show. Get ready for the thrills under the new big top. The CIRCUS, located beside the Ellison building near the South Gate Entrance, will perform three 40-minute-long shows each day. Shows begin at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Daily admission to the CIRCUS is free with your fair admission ticket. Led by Ringmaster Ian Garden, the CIRCUS acts will include performances from Renaldo (clown), American Cyclones (motorcycle and trapeze), Zeman Duo (roller skating), Disharmony (trapeze), Anna Dangerous (whips and arrows), Yulia and her Flying Pole (aerial pole), and Gravity Arts X Wall (LED trampoline acrobatics).
–Heritage Village: Fair visitors can experience the wonders of yesteryear in the Heritage Village where a multi-dimensional display of entertainment, crafts, bowl turning and pottery from years gone by will be on display. This year’s display features a glass blower and the educational — yet immersive — experience is sure to leave an impression on family members of all ages.
For a full list of entertainment, visit SCStateFair.org
Art and Flower Exhibits
The beauty of art and flowers will return to this year’s flower show. The flower arrangements will be dispersed among a wide range of artworks throughout the Cantey building. In addition to Potted Plant and Cut Horticulture competitions, several flower shows will be held in the Cantey building at the S.C. State Fair, including the Ikebana International Chapter #182, the Garden Club Council of Greater Columbia, Mid-Carolina Camellia Society and the South Carolina Rose Society. Patrons can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Fine Art Department in the Cantey building as they view the works of some of the state’s best amateur, professional and student artists. Featured categories include ceramics, pottery, aqua painting, oil painting, drawing, mixed media, prints, photography, digital photography, open media, and sculpture.
Agriculture and Livestock
The S.C. State Fair is rooted in agriculture. South Carolina residents will compete for bragging rights and a blue ribbon with their home-grown produce, including apples, home garden wagons, large pumpkins and watermelons, Christmas trees, a shoe garden, sugar cane, sweet potatoes and more.
There will even be a scarecrow-making contest. Visit with the South Carolina Beekeepers, Clemson Extension and 4H, and stop by the produce stand to purchase South Carolina-grown produce. Visit with live farm animals, including swine, sheep, rabbits, horses and more. Watch a donkey and mule show, experience swine races and get up close and meet members of the Commerford Petting Zoo, a family-owned and operated petting zoo featuring domestic animals and hand-raised exotic animals.
Sensory-Friendly Morning (New!)
The lights and sounds of the S.C. State Fair will be a little lower from 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, when the S.C. State Fair hosts its first-ever Sensory-Friendly Morning. During Sensory-Friendly Morning, the S.C. State Fair will create an environment designed with children and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders in mind.
The S.C. State Fair offers the following daily promotions:
–Children: All children 5 and under will be admitted FREE every day.
–Seniors: $15 admission every day.
–Lunch Bunch: Pop in and out of the S.C. State Fair for lunch with a special lunch bunch ticket, available from noon-2 p.m. each weekday (except Wednesday, Oct. 12). Pay your entry fee and receive a refundable $20 ticket. Return to the ticket booth with the ticket by 2 p.m. to get your money back.
For a complete list of promotional days and their details: https://www.scstatefair.org/plan-your-visit/promotions/
Discount Tickets
Discount admission tickets are $10 per person ($15-$20 during the fair) and discount ride vouchers are $30 per person ($35-$38 during the fair).
Visit SCStateFair.org or a participating Circle K location to purchase discount tickets now through Tuesday, Oct. 11.