Every October, people of all ages descend upon our capital city, Columbia, to attend the South Carolina State Fair. The wide variety of exhibits, thrilling rides, and unique food – such as chocolate-covered bacon, doughnut burgers, and even fried coke – draws visitors from near and far!
The State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina, a non-profit group with origins dating back to 1839, is credited with the establishment of the South Carolina State Fair and continues to operate it today. It is important to note that even though it’s called the “State Fair,” it’s actually not state owned and receives no financial support from state government.
The society’s main objective is to “promote the material, educational, agricultural, and industrial interests of the state.” They achieve this by donating the majority of their proceeds to charities in South Carolina.
The fairgrounds were originally located on Elmwood Avenue in Columbia. When the Civil War broke out, the buildings on the fairgrounds were used by confederate forces to manufacture ammunition. Consequently, the buildings were burned down in 1865 when Sherman’s army marched through Columbia.
The Agricultural and Mechanical Society reconstructed the buildings with money received from selling life memberships to their club. The fair soon outgrew its home on Elmwood and moved to its current location on Bluff Road in 1904. Williams-Brice Stadium, home of South Carolina’s fighting Gamecocks, was built across the street from the fair in 1934. The fairgrounds have since become an important part of the school’s tailgating tradition. Many fall weekends in Columbia include a trip to the fair and a college football game.
Today, the South Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical Society owns six buildings which offer more than 125,000 square feet of exhibit space. Shows and events are held here throughout the entire year, but the fair is by far the most popular event. Over 600,000 people attend the fair annually.
Hi,
What dates in October does the fair run from?
We are going to be in Columbia from October 8th until October 15th. Thanks.
Hello, according to the official website it’s October 10-21, https://www.scstatefair.org.
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality sites on the web. I’m going to recommend this site!
What is the address of the fair in Columbia?
1200 Rosewood Dr.
Are mega passes offered at the State Fair?
Because these things change from year to year it is best to always consult the official website, here is the address: http://www.scstatefair.org/
Hello, I spoke to someone last year regarding becoming more a food vendor and would like to know if there are any opportunities for an amazing food truck this year? We are locally owned and operated.
Hi, Lolita. You will need to contact someone with the fair. Please use the website above there map. Good luck!
Was trying to get specific dates for the S.C.S.T. My family and I live in N.C. but have relatives in S.C. thought maybe one year taking vacation down there to visit with family and go to S.C.S.F. I will need specific dates though.
The State Fair has already ended, but here is a guide to other fairs around South Carolina: https://www.sciway.net/tourism/sc-state-fairs.html
How do I enter some art in the fair? Thank You
Do you have battery operated chairs for rent for handicapped?
Hi, Irma! The website for the fair is listed above the map. Hopefully, someone there will be able to answer your question. Good luck!
Would love to enter a quilt in the Fair, but do not know how to find the entry forms. Please help.
Hi, Joyce! A website for the fair is posted above the map. Best of luck!
Hello, I had a few questions about your fair.
Hello, Melody. There is a website for the State Fair above the map. I hope that helps.
Just wanted to share and invite you to a hiring event this coming Tuesday, September 30th, 2014, to help hundreds of Columbia, West Columbia, and the adjacent area residents looking for jobs. It will be a pleasure to have you at the National Guard Armory, 1221 Bluff Road, Columbia, SC.
I have lived in Columbia, SC, my entire life and I have great memories of fun and eating awesome food at the SC State Fair. It just doesn’t feel like fall or the holidays until you’ve gone to the fair!!!! Can’t wait for SC State Fair 2014!!! Thank you, SC, and our SC law enforcement!!!
I “got my happy” by enjoying myself at the South Carolina State Fair again this year. My favorites are the exhibits and the Carousel.
See you at the rocket! (Nothing says family fun like an intermediate range thermonuclear ballistic missile!)
Really missed “Vocal Trash” this year. They are good!
This is always a special time to spend enjoying the South Carolina State Fair. This is a good time to give back to this great city
of Columbia in a special way. My family and I always enjoy all the rides, shows, people, and can’t forget the food.
Go South Carolina State Fair, You Rock.
SC State Fair is the highlight of Fall for me!
Fun!