South Carolina State Fair
The excitement is palpable in Columbia as the final touches are being made for the 2024 South Carolina State Fair, which kicks off on Wednesday! Vendors and staff are busy making last-minute adjustments, ensuring everything is just right for the thousands of visitors expected this year. Just imagine the scent of cotton candy wafting through the air, the joyful laughter of children, and the thrill of rides — it’s all coming back to life!
With the fair just around the corner, General Manager _Nancy Smith_ shared her perspective on the work that goes into this major annual event. “We really work on this all year,” she stressed. “I think it’s important for folks to know we don’t just start this now.” It’s a well-oiled machine that operates on careful planning and dedicated teamwork!
One of the most exciting parts of any fair is the food, and this year, there’s something brand new for guests to enjoy. Enter _Deep Fried Tacos_, a vendor that will be making its fair debut. Owner _James Staub_ shared the whirlwind experience of getting ready: “We had a couple of days of driving back and forth with some equipment, showed up here full force since Friday, and from there on out, we’ve been pecking away at it with the crew.” Now, they’re tying up loose ends, ensuring their tech is set up and ready to serve those delicious tacos to hungry fairgoers.
This year, the fair has implemented a new traffic pattern to aid in smoother entry and exit times. With the addition of new gates and routes at the fairgrounds, getting in and out should be a breeze! “We’ve added entrances and exits to our main gates, which are gates 6 and 10, and we have a new gate on George Rogers Boulevard, kind of across the street from Key Road that will be an entry gate, that’s never been before,” shared _Smith_. She also mentioned that Gate 8 will now serve as an additional exit gate. Sounds like they really thought this through!
Your safety is a top priority! This year, the fair has ramped up their security measures significantly. Expect to walk through metal detectors as part of their entry protocol, alongside improvements like additional lighting, more cameras, and a clear bag policy. With the goal of creating a safe and enjoyable experience, parents will want to note the updated youth admission policy as well. Now, visitors under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 21 or older, not just during certain hours but all day on Fridays and Saturdays.
The theme for this year’s fair is _“46 Reasons to Celebrate SC”_. Each of the state’s 46 counties will be highlighted through various exhibits, creating a meaningful connection between the fair and state pride. It’s a brilliant way to showcase local cultures, crafts, and talents, making it a truly enriching experience for guests of all ages.
Mark your calendars, folks! The South Carolina State Fair runs from _October 9 to October 20_ at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia. It’s set to be a fantastic celebration filled with rides, games, food, and fun, making it a must-visit event for families, friends, and everyone who wants to enjoy all things South Carolina!
So, are you ready? The fair is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see you there!
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