Mornin’, Cola. Kayla here, and I. love. the fair. The cooler temps, the food, the music, the food, the rides, the piggie races, the food…
The South Carolina State Fair is the largest event in the state, drawing crowds of ~400,000 each year + featuring exhibitions from every county in S.C. With the 150th S.C. State Fair kicking off next week (Oct. 9-20) in Columbia’s fairgrounds, there are a lot of new and exciting things to see, do + learn this year.
Entertainment 🎪
- The circus: A 48-foot big top tent beside the Ellison Building will host a free circus featuring motorcycle stunts, tightrope walking, aerial silks, camels, clowns + more, with shows at 2:30, 5, + 7 p.m daily. (The State Fair got us all excited for the circus with a free screening of The Greatest Showman in July.)
- Live music: All concerts on the Pepsi Place stage are free this year. See the full lineup.
- There’s a new ride in honor of the 150th anniversary: a 150-ft. high “150 Celebration Wheel” (never before seen in the U.S.) with 36 temperature-regulated gondolas and incredible views. Discount tickets available before Oct. 8.
New food 🍔
- Chili Mac Attack Sundae: French fries. Topped with mac + cheese. Topped with chili + jalapeños.
- Double Dog Corndog: Pretty much exactly what it sounds like. We’re on board.
- Birthday Cake Funnel Cake: Three words: You deserve this.
Deals + promotions 🎟️
- Catch the Comet: This year, you can park for free at the SC State Museum + take the Comet shuttle to the fair, plus get a $5 food voucher. Details + shuttle times.
- Lunch Bunch tickets: On weekdays from noon-2 p.m., pay $10 to enter the fair, eat lunch, then get that $10 back. #BestLunchBreakEver.
- FRED: The roving ticket booth will be traveling around the Midlands until October 8, offering discount admission + ride tickets.
State Fair tickets are available online and at Circle K locations – and make sure to check the daily deals for special prices. Pro-tip: Discount tickets available before Oct. 8.
Celebrations 🎂
- “Prize-Winning Memories:” In honor of this year’s theme + the 150th anniversary, fair-goers can enjoy free cake when gates open on Oct. 9, while supplies last.
- Meet me at the Rocket: In celebration of its 50th birthday, the iconic Rocket will be all dressed up as a birthday candle and crowds will gather to sing “Happy Birthday” each day at ~5:45 p.m.
- #MySCStateFair: Use this hashtag on social media to share your favorite fair memories, or email to favoritememory@scstatefair.org to be included in an Ellison Building wall display.
150th anniversary souvenirs 🎁
- Know your history: Meet Me at the Rocket by South Carolina author + historian Rodger Stroup will be on display + available for purchase, with Stroup on-site during select times for book signings.
- Collectors’ items: Special pictorial postal cancellation stamps, limited-edition coins + four unique posters commemorating the State Fair’s 150th anniversary will be available for purchase.
Feel-good facts 💛
- DYK: The SC State Fair is a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to education, awarding $300,000+ in scholarships annually.
- Giving back: Learn about the many ways the fair gives back to the community, like its partnership with Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon.
It’s fair to say that we’re looking forward to the 150th anniversary. If you’re headed there as well (meet you at the Double Dog stand?), stay in the loop on daily specials, events + announcements via the State Fair’s Facebook, Twitter + Instagram.📱Ⓟ
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