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SC State Fair

SC PICTURE PROJECT 26 Comments

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!

Paul Gowder of Lexington © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

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.

SC State Fair Aerial

Jason Taylor of Winnsboro, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

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.

Paul Gowder of Lexington © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

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.

SC State Fair in Columbia

Paul Gowder of Lexington © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

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.

SC State Fair Swings

Jason Taylor of Winnsboro, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

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.

Plan Your Trip: SC State Fair

Where is SC State Fair located?
Address: 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC
GPS Coordinates: 33.977033,-81.020904
Website: http://www.scstatefair.org/
What else should I see?
USC Cockaboose 0.6 mile
Olympia and Granby Mills 1.7 miles
Columbia Union Station 1.7 miles
Owens Field 2.1 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Columbia Historic Sites
    SC State Fair Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. joe nevin says

      August 21, 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.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        August 22, 2018 at 12:51 AM

        Hello, according to the official website it’s October 10-21, https://www.scstatefair.org.

        Reply
    2. Corrina Spaide says

      June 6, 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!

      Reply
    3. Keyolyn Tucker says

      September 22, 2017 at 9:37 PM

      What is the address of the fair in Columbia?

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        September 23, 2017 at 4:21 PM

        1200 Rosewood Dr.

        Reply
        • Ashley says

          October 9, 2017 at 11:39 PM

          Are mega passes offered at the State Fair?

          Reply
          • SCIWAY says

            October 10, 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/

            Reply
    4. Lolita Frazier says

      February 7, 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.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        February 7, 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!

        Reply
    5. Jeremiah Evan Smith says

      October 25, 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.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        October 26, 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

        Reply
    6. Fay Bouknight says

      July 16, 2016 at 5:17 AM

      How do I enter some art in the fair? Thank You

      Reply
    7. Irma Floyd says

      October 8, 2015 at 7:22 PM

      Do you have battery operated chairs for rent for handicapped?

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        October 9, 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!

        Reply
    8. Joyce Luddington says

      June 25, 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.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        June 25, 2015 at 8:39 AM

        Hi, Joyce! A website for the fair is posted above the map. Best of luck!

        Reply
    9. Melody Priester says

      October 22, 2014 at 1:47 PM

      Hello, I had a few questions about your fair.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        October 23, 2014 at 8:27 AM

        Hello, Melody. There is a website for the State Fair above the map. I hope that helps.

        Reply
    10. Carlos Calderon says

      September 28, 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.

      Reply
    11. jazmine says

      April 29, 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!!!

      Reply
    12. Leigh says

      October 29, 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.

      Reply
    13. Majit Laredo says

      October 19, 2012 at 11:21 AM

      See you at the rocket! (Nothing says family fun like an intermediate range thermonuclear ballistic missile!)

      Reply
    14. Peg says

      October 15, 2012 at 2:58 PM

      Really missed “Vocal Trash” this year. They are good!

      Reply
    15. Bryant says

      October 14, 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.

      Reply
    16. Peg says

      September 19, 2012 at 1:57 PM

      SC State Fair is the highlight of Fall for me!

      Reply
    17. Mya says

      November 2, 2011 at 4:08 PM

      Fun!

      Reply

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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