COLUMBIA — It’s that time of year again, folks. The South Carolina State Fair is back starting Oct. 8. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of its 12-day run.
New this year
This year’s theme is Harvesting Happiness, commemorating the fair’s agricultural roots. To celebrate the theme, the fair is giving out 5,000 seed packets for attendees to plant at home. Stop by the fair office at 1200 Rosewood Drive to pick up seeds and snap a photo of your seedlings for a chance to win a prize.
Celebrity chef Sandra Lee (of “Semi-Homemade Cooking” fame) is stopping by Oct. 8 and 9 to host several food competitions and join the ribbon cutting. The breast cancer survivor will take part in the fair’s effort to raise awareness during her visit.
Celebrity chef Sandra Lee will be stopping by Oct. 8-9
New entertainers include a chainsaw juggler and a world record winning balloon artist. Local performers, including hip-hop artist Nick “Burningup” Blaze, will take the stage as part of the fair’s concert lineup.
Food options are plentiful, with a Reuben sandwich pizza, a giant pork tenderloin sandwich and a deep- fried enchilada on the menu. Concessioners for mac and cheese, fries and nachos will also be making their first fair appearance this year.
The fair is debuting several stomach churning rides – preferably tried before eating the deep-fried enchilada. The Mulligan Swing and The Downdraft both promise speedy, open-air thrills.
Several partnerships are bringing new educational exhibits to the fairgrounds. The fair is working with the SC250 Commission on an interactive Revolutionary War exhibit and the Anne Frank Center at USC is helping host a historical exhibit on the Holocaust victim.
The Downdraft offers adrenaline-filled thrills to attendees this year.
Tickets
The fair is partnering with participating Circle K locations to offer discounted tickets this year. Purchase tickets before Oct. 7 online or at any Circle K for up to 50 percent off admission and rides.
Tickets are available at the gate Oct. 8, and discounts will continue to be available at Circle K and online. There are no increases in ticket prices this year.
Parking
Parking is $10 per vehicle at Gates 6, 7 and 10 at the Fairgrounds. Cash payments will not be accepted.
Parking will be $20 on Oct. 18 as the Gamecocks take on Oklahoma at Williams Brice Stadium. Plan ahead for heavy gameday traffic and limited parking.
Additional Discounts
Seniors 55 and up are eligible for $15 admission every day and $5 admission on Oct. 15. The Lunch Bunch promotion is back this year, offering refunds on admission between noon and 2 p.m. every weekday.
Policies
A mandatory clear bag policy will be in place, with clear backpacks, purses and fanny packs all permitted. Anyone under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult 21 or older after 5 p.m., and all day on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more, head to scstatefair.org
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.postandcourier.com ’
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