SC State Fair — Columbia, South Carolina
SC Picture Project | Richland County | SC State Fair
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.
SC State Fair Info
Address: 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC
GPS Coordinates: 33.977033,-81.020904
Website: http://www.scstatefair.org/
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26 Comments about SC State Fair
August 22nd, 2018 at 12:51 am
Hello, according to the official website it’s October 10-21, https://www.scstatefair.org.
August 21st, 2018 at 9:32 am
Hi,
What dates in October does the fair run from?
We are going to be in Columbia from October 8th until October 15th. Thanks.
June 6th, 2018 at 9:53 am
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!
October 10th, 2017 at 5:36 pm
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/
October 9th, 2017 at 11:39 pm
Are mega passes offered at the State Fair?
September 23rd, 2017 at 4:21 pm
1200 Rosewood Dr.
September 22nd, 2017 at 9:37 pm
What is the address of the fair in Columbia?
February 7th, 2017 at 7:50 am
Hi, Lolita. You will need to contact someone with the fair. Please use the website above there map. Good luck!
February 7th, 2017 at 12:19 am
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.
October 26th, 2016 at 8:54 am
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
October 25th, 2016 at 11:55 am
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.
July 16th, 2016 at 5:17 am
How do I enter some art in the fair? Thank You
October 9th, 2015 at 8:31 am
Hi, Irma! The website for the fair is listed above the map. Hopefully, someone there will be able to answer your question. Good luck!
October 8th, 2015 at 7:22 pm
Do you have battery operated chairs for rent for handicapped?
June 25th, 2015 at 8:39 am
Hi, Joyce! A website for the fair is posted above the map. Best of luck!
June 25th, 2015 at 7:45 am
Would love to enter a quilt in the Fair, but do not know how to find the entry forms. Please help.
October 23rd, 2014 at 8:27 am
Hello, Melody. There is a website for the State Fair above the map. I hope that helps.
October 22nd, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Hello, I had a few questions about your fair.
September 28th, 2014 at 4:59 pm
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.
April 29th, 2014 at 11:37 am
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!!!
October 29th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
I “got my happy” by enjoying myself at the South Carolina State Fair again this year. My favorites are the exhibits and the Carousel.
October 19th, 2012 at 11:21 am
See you at the rocket! (Nothing says family fun like an intermediate range thermonuclear ballistic missile!)
October 15th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Really missed “Vocal Trash” this year. They are good!
October 14th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
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.
September 19th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
SC State Fair is the highlight of Fall for me!
November 2nd, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Fun!