State Fair

The South Carolina State Fair Columbia SC

The South Carolina State Fair is coming to Columbia, SC Oct. 9-20 and celebrating a BIG anniversary. How big of an anniversary you ask? Well, how about 150 years! Whether you are two or eighty-two, the SC State Fair offers something for all ages. From rides to food to pigs racing for Oreos, you don’t want to miss out on the fun!

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Celebrating 150 Years of Fun

It’s hard to believe the South Carolina State Fair is celebrating 150 years! The State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina held its first state fair in 1869 on Elmwood Avenue, property owned by the City of Columbia. The Society continued this tradition until it outgrew its location and moved the fairgrounds to Rosewood Avenue (now Rosewood Drive) in 1904. Even during World War II, when many state fairs didn’t operate, the South Carolina State Fair opened each year and brought in lots of carnival lovers. And here we are in 2019, still enjoying the animals, rides, crafts, and food. Thankfully, thousands of people attend the fair each year and help the non-profit organization give donations towards scholarships for South Carolina students. Learn more about the history through this NPR podcast.

New Entertainment This Year

The State Fair offers a variety of entertainment and attractions each year. Lots of rides, animals to pet, agricultural contests, pig races, and arts and crafts keep you entertained all day and night. This year the fair has decided to up their game and add a circus. Yes, that’s right! A circus! There will be 3 shows a day at no extra cost to you. Step right up and be mesmerized by the silk performers, the hire wire act, acrobats, and high speed motorcyclists. With all this added fun, you might want to start planning your visit so you can figure out how to fit it all in on one day or maybe several days. Visit https://www.scstatefair.org/ for more details about attractions and entertainment.

Save Some Money For More Cotton Candy

The South Carolina State Fair has discounted tickets and ride vouchers available until Oct. 9th. You can save $3 per admission ticket and $10 per ride voucher. You can purchase them HERE or pick them up at Circle K, the early bird ticket window at the Northgate Fairgrounds, or from Fred, the roving ticket booth. Think of all the money you’ll save to spend on cotton candy and Fiske fries!

FREE ADMISSION: Active and Retired Military with ID and kids 5 and under

SENIORS: 55 and over get in for $7 every day

EARLY BIRD: $7 admission tickets and $25 ride vouchers until Oct. 9th

Photo: South Carolina State Fair Facebook page