Last Update 6/30/09  2:30 PM

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

CARNIVAL RIDES, FOOD, GAMES

COMMERCIAL EXHIBITORS

COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS  

CONCESSIONAIRES

CONTESTS

DEMONSTRATIONS

DIRECTIONS 

DISABLED PERSONS

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

GENERAL INFORMATION...

GRANDSTAND ENTERTAINMENT

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

SPECIAL PROMOTION DAYS

TICKETS

TREEmendous FUN VALUE DEALS

.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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TICKETS - GATE & RIDE

TICKETS - PEPSI® GRANDSTAND CONCERTS (not available at grocery outlets)

TICKET POLICIES

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RIDES,  FOOD & GAMES

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COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS

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CONTESTS

DEMONSTRATIONS

  • Demonstrations Schedule? See "Daily Schedule of Events and Entertainment" and click on day and scroll down to view Demonstrations schedule.

DIRECTIONS TO THE FAIR

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ENTERTAINMENT

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

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PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

SPECIAL PROMOTION DAYS

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Dates of the 2009 South Carolina State Fair

October 14-25

Join us for twelve days of TREEmendous Fun at the 140th annual South Carolina State Fair located in the Capital City of Columbia at 1200 Rosewood Drive.

  • Held Annually Since 1869
  • Largest Event in South Carolina
  • 500,000+  Patrons in 12 Days
  • 501 C3 Not for Profit Organization
  • Named by MCW (Mac's Carnival House) as one of Top 50 Fairs in the US
  • Named by Southern Living Magazine as one of Top 20 Events in the Southeast
  • Continuous Entertainment
  • Great Family Value and Fun
  • Grandstand Concerts
  • Art, Agriculture, Craft and Flower Exhibits
  • Livestock Exhibits
  • Contests and Competitions
  • Exciting Rides
  • Yummy Food

 

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Special Promotion Days, Free Stage Shows, Special Attractions,

Free Roving Entertainment & Hours of Operation (Admission Gates, Buildings & Midway)

Click on a link below to view the Daily Schedule of Events... Or visit FREE Entertainment & Attractions

Please Note:

Admission gate and building "open and close" times are subject to change at discretion of Fair Management. Midway closing times may vary based on weather conditions and other influencing factors. Also, certain livestock shows begin prior to the public opening of the Fair. For security and safety reasons, only Competitive Exhibitors competing in these shows will be allowed admittance prior to public opening hours.

 

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Gate Admission

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

Discount Tickets on sale beginning July 1.

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

OPENING DAY SPECIAL - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 ONLY (also a POP Day!)

$1 GATE ADMISSION FOR EVERYONE!!!

Gates open at 3:00 PM - Opening Day Special ticket sold only at North Gate on Rosewood Drive and South Gate (Main Parking Lot) on Wednesday, October 14, 2009.

 

October 15 - 25                        * TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

Age Category
*Discount Price
Price During Fair

Regular
(ages 6 - 54)

$5
$8

Senior
(ages 55 and over)

$5
$5

Child
(ages 2 - 5)

$2
$2

Child
(under 2)

Free
Free
*TREEmendous Fun Value Deal available through October 13, 2009 (prior to Opening Day of Fair

Credit or Debit Cards Accepted

No Checks

Click Here for Additional Details on Ticket Page

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Parking

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

FREE PARKING in all SC State Fair lots on "first-come, first-serve" basis.

FREE Handicap parking available at Gate 6 on "first-come, first-serve" basis for vehicles with a handicap placard or license plate. 

Handicap Accessible...Fairground buildings & grounds have been modified to standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ride Your Bike to the Fair...new bicycle racks located inside North and South Gates.

Pets Not Allowed...While pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds, trained service animals are welcome at the Fair.

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Ride Tickets

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

Discount Tickets - For best value, purchase Ride Tickets prior to opening day of Fair.

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

Pay-One Price (POP) Days

Click here for Ticket page.

During the Fair, Ride Coupon packages are available as follows:

  • 1 coupon for $1 
  • 22 coupons for $20
  • 55 coupons for $50

Click on this link for a listing of Carnival Rides.

Please Note: Height requirements vary from ride to ride depending on speed, number "G's" exerted, types of restraining system on each particular ride, etc. Some rides have no height requirement. Others can vary from 36" to 54". Some rides allow riders less than 36" tall if accompanied by an adult.

Also, rides require different numbers of coupons (2-5) based on size of ride.

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What is the "2 For 1 Ride Special"?

Saturday, October 17

Saturday, October 24

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

Each Saturday during the Fair, "Two Persons Can Ride for the Price of One" during the hours of 9:00am - 1:00pm....All ages!!!

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What is “Lunch Deal at the Fair”?

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

BEST LUNCH DEAL IN TOWN...Each week day (Monday – Friday), between 12 Noon and 2:00pm, enter the Fair with a deposit of $5.00 cash (no credit/debit cards accepted for this promotion) and receive a “token”, purchase and enjoy some great fair food and, as long as you exit the fair prior to 2:00pm, you can reclaim your $5 deposit with the “token” at the exit gate. Invite your co-workers and friends to join you at the fair for lunch each week day of the fair.

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When is Military Appreciation Day?

Friday, October 23, 2009
TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

Military Personnel (active and retired duty), National Guard, Reservists, and dependents with proper ID admitted free until 6:00pm.

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When is the Greatest Grandparent Essay Contest?

Sunday, October 18, 2009

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

Greatest Grandparent Essay Contest Application (coming in early September)

Sponsored by NBSC, WIS10, 89.7WMHK and the SC State Fair.

The 22nd Annual Greatest Grandparents of SC Essay Contest Application is available by clicking the link above and at all National Bank of South Carolina (NBSC) offices, WIS, WMHK, and the South Carolina State Fair business office. Applications must be postmarked by September 25, 2009.

See entry form for additional details. Announcement of the winners of the Greatest Grandparent Essay Contest  will be held in the Pepsi® Grandstand on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 2:00pm.

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When are Kindergarten Tour Days?

Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20 , 2009

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal
Kindergarten Tours are scheduled in advance of the Fair. Letters are mailed to teachers on our mailing list in late August. The letter and registration form links are shown below.

  • Letter to Kindergarten Teachers (coming in August)
  • Kindergarten Day Registration Form (coming in August)
 

Contact Lauren Funderburk at 803-799-3387 ext. 15 for more information or to be added to the mailing list.

 
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When is Midway Physics Day?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

9:00am - 1:00pm - WLTX Stage
All students wearing the official Midway Physics Day wristband admitted free. Contact Jeff Wilson (USC Dept. of Physics & Astronomy) at (803) 777-4650 for additional information.

Richard L. Childers Midway Physics Day is sponsored by the USC Department of Physics & Astronomy. For more information visit http://www.physics.sc.edu/events.html .

 

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When is Senior Citizens Day?

Wednesday, October 21 , 2009

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

Special activities are offered for Seniors during the day in addition to FREE Ferris Wheel rides all day!!! Seniors enjoy a Discount Gate admission of $5 each and every day of the Fair.  

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When is FFA Day?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal
FFA (Future Farmers of America) members admitted free with presentation of official letter of invitation at Fair admission gate.

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When is Exceptional Citizens Day?

Thursday, October 22, 2009

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal
Permanently disabled persons will be admitted free all day. One additional person will also be admitted free if they are needed to assist the disabled person.

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When is 4-H Day?

Saturday, October 17, 2009

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

4-H'ers admitted FREE from 9:00am - 1:00pm when wearing official 4-H T-shirt (see your County 4-H Agent).

Be sure to stop by the 4-H Booth in the Americraft-Cantey Building. 4-H will also appear on stage in the Moore Building each day of the Fair. Click on 4-H logo below to visit the South Carolina 4-H web site.


When is the SC State Fair Princess and Prince Pageant and how does one register?

Saturday, October 17, 2009 on the WLTX Stage.

Click here CROWNS ACROSS AMERICA for additional information or contact

Pageant Director, Gay C. Berry at...

Telephone (803) 905-2608

E-mail caaqueens@yahoo.com

Web site www.scbeautypageants.com

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When is Scout Day?

Saturday, October 24, 2009

9:00am - 1:00pm  —  FREE GATE ADMISSION

TREEmendous Fun Value Deal

The SC State Fair salutes Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts on Scout Day by offering the free gate admission when Scouts present themselves as follows:

Girl Scouts in Official Scout Uniform, Pin, & Sash / Vest

Boy Scouts in Official Scout Uniform or Scout Cap & T-shirt

             

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Who operates the Midway (games & rides) ?

Midway Guest Relations

Located in Midway under Sky Ride for ride and game issues.


North American Midway Entertainment

is the midway vendor for the South Carolina State Fair.

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PEPSI® Grandstand

Please note: Concert tickets do not include gate admission to the Fair.

PEPSI® Grandstand Concert Seating Chart

Grandstand Floor
East Bleachers
West Bleachers
North Bleachers

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SHOWCASE YOUR TALENT AT THE SC STATE FAIR

LOCAL ENTERTAINERS - If you are interested in showcasing your talent at the SC State Fair, you may contact Lauren Funderburk (laurenf@scstatefair.org) at 803-799-3387 ext. 15.

 

SCHOOL GROUPS - How do I register my students to perform on the 2009 WIS Spirit of Carolina Stage?

Complete a registration form found below and submit to the SC State Fair. Registration period ends June 30, 2009.

For additional information, contact Lauren Funderburk at 803-799-3387 ext. 15.

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How do I apply to be an entertainer at the SC State Fair?

Submit promotional materials by November 30 for consideration for the 2010 SC State Fair to:

SC State Fair
Attn: Lauren Funderburk
P. O. Box 393
Columbia SC 29202

or e-mail Lauren Funderburk

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2009 Horse Show Schedule - Abernathy Arena

Click here for 2009 Horse Show Pocket Schedule  (coming soon)                                                                                     

Paso Fino Horse Exhibition
Thursday, October 15


Youth Horse Show
Saturday & Sunday, October 17 & 18

Carolinas Mounted Patrol Association Exhibition

Formation Riding, Training Techniques, Crowd Control & Posse Polo/Soccer

Wednesday & Thursday, October 21 & 22

Donkey & Mule Show sponsored by the

SC Donkey & Mule Association

Friday & Saturday, October 23 & 24

Fun Show for Horses, Donkeys & Mules sponsored by the SC Donkey & Mule Association

Sunday, October 25

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Ground Conveniences

  • Guest Services (Located in Heath Building near Rocket)
    • Information Booth
    • Lost and Found - Telephone (803) 252-2338
    • First Aid Station - Open 9:00am - 12:00 midnight
    • Paging/Sound Booth
    • Pay Telephones
  • ATM Machines
    Conveniently located throughout fairgrounds.
  • Bicycle Racks

Located inside North & South Gates

  • Hand Washing Stations
    Located around the Livestock barns; All Fair guests (adults & children) are encouraged to use the hand washing stations frequently and especially upon exiting the Livestock area. Parents, please diligently inspect your childrens' shoes, stroller wheels, etc. upon exiting any barn or livestock area. Encourage your children to wash their hands with soap and water frequently during their fair visit.
  • Information Booths
    Located at North & South Gates and Guest Services (Heath Building).
  • Midway Guest Relations

Located in Midway under Sky Ride for ride and game issues.

  • Rest Rooms
    Conveniently located throughout fairgrounds for ladies and gentlemen.
  • Security
    Command Post located across from Pepsi® Grandstand next to the Restrooms; Richland County Sheriff's Department Deputies patrol 24/7 for your protection.
  • Will Call

              Located inside South Gate Entrance.

Rentals (Located inside both North & South Gates)

  • Baby Stroller rental is available at the rate of $7 per day.
  • Kid's Wagons/Cars rental is available at the rate of $10 per day.
  • Push Wheel Chair rental is available at the rate of $15 per day.
  • Electric Wheel Chair rental is available at the rate of $40 per day...or return within four hours and receive $10 refund.
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Where is Lost & Found located?

Guest Services, located in the Heath Building (across from the Rocket) next to the Dowling Administrative Building.

Telephone (803) 252-9332 during the 12 days of the Fair. During the rest of the year, telephone Main Fair Office at (803) 799-3387 ext. 10.

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Scholarships
Halley K. Black
Easley High School
1st Year Recipient
Today at the Fairgrounds
7/1-10/13
Concert Tickets - Discount Gate & Ride Tickets - Online & Telephone Sales Only
2009 SC State Fair
www.scstatefair.org
Upcoming Events
7/11
Private Event
Rosewoods Ballroom
7/31
Private Event
Moore Building
8/1-9/4
Competitive Exhibit Open Entry Registration Period
2009 SC State Fair
www.scstatefair.org
8/14-8/16
REDO/REMIX Home Improvement Show
Home Builders Association of Columbia
Americraft-Cantey Building
Newsletter
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