Fall Is Fair Time in Columbia

The South Carolina State Fair is one of the top reasons to visit Columbia in the fall. Each October the fair draws people from all over the state to see the exhibits, participate in the livestock competitions, and enjoy the rides and entertainment. Dating back to 1869, the South Carolina State Fair offers fun for the entire family and continues to showcase the importance of the agricultural industry in the state. This year the fair runs October 10-21.


The fair opens on October 10 at 3pm with a special gate admission of just $1. Attendees can enjoy the Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, the Sea Lion Splash show, free musical entertainment, arts and crafts demonstrations, and all the midway rides. In the evening enjoy country music duo Thompson Square with special guest Colt Ford in concert on the Pepsi Grandstand Stage at 7pm. Tickets are $20.


Competitions scheduled during the fair include the SC Rose Society Show, Camellia Show, beef and dairy cattle shows, a donkey and mule show, small stock shows, a sheep show, dairy goat show, and youth horse show. Fair attendees can enjoy a variety of free entertainment each day including the Pets Overboard show, Michelle's Magic Poodles, Ron Diamond-Hypnotist, and Divas Through the Decades. Visitors will be able to purchase fresh seasonal South Carolina grown produce daily at the Roadside Market. Children will enjoy the Commerford and Sons Petting Zoo with its pony, camel, and elephant rides. Everyone can get a great aerial view of the fairgrounds on the SC State Fair Sky Ride.

On many evenings there will be special concerts on the Pepsi Grandstand Stage. Artists who will be appearing include O.A.R., Boyz II Men, Newsboys and Building 429, and the Doobie Brothers. Separate tickets are required for these concerts. North American Midway will offer rides and games for all ages. Thrill rides as well as kid's rides are available. A variety of different food options will be offered at the fair, including some healthy choices as well as traditional fair food.

Special days at the fair include FFA Day, 4H Day, Scout Day, Senior Day, and NASCAR Night at the Fair. Gate admission is $10 for ages 6-54. Admission for seniors ages 55 and older is $7. Children ages 2-5 are admitted for $2. Active and retired military personnel and their dependents are admitted free with proper military photo ID. Fair hours vary daily. The fairgrounds are located at 1200 Rosewood Drive in Columbia. Free parking is available everyday in all fair parking lots.

Ashish Desai is the General Manager for Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Northeast. A top choice among other hotels in Columbia SC, this newly opened property is located just off I-77 at exit 11 near the Northeast business district and is conveniently situated just 15 miles from downtown Columbia. https://amusementrides.my



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