FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Dates of the 2009 SC State Fair?
- Daily Schedule of Events?
- Fairground conveniences?
- History of the South Carolina State Fair?
- Hours of operation?
- Guest Services?
- Lost & Found location?
- “Lunch Deal”?
- Map of the 2009 SC State Fair? Check back in late September.
- Map of the entire fairgrounds?
- Midway Guest Relations?
- Parking?
- SC State Fair General Rules and Regulations?
top of page- Purchase tickets online?
- Purchase tickets by phone?
- Purchase tickets at the Fair Box Office?
- Purchase tickets at grocery outlets?
TICKETS - PEPSI® GRANDSTAND CONCERTS (not available at grocery outlets)
TICKET POLICIES
- Carnival Rides?
- Fair Food?
- Fair Safety video?
- Height requirements for rides?
- POP (Pay-One-Price) Days?
- "2 For 1 Ride Special" Days?
- Who operates the Carnival and Midway?
- Dates of Entry Registration Periods?
- History of Competitive Exhibits?
- Horse Shows / Exhibitions?
- How do I enter?
- Judging Results?
- Premium Guide?Only operable during August and early September.)
- Register by mail?
- Register online?
- Schedule for all competitions?
- Register for Greatest Grandparent Essay Contest?
- Register for SC State Fair Princess and Prince Pageant?
- Demonstrations Schedule? See "Daily Schedule of Events and Entertainment" and click on day and scroll down to view Demonstrations schedule.
- Directions to the fair, preferred lodgings, and campgrounds?
- Physical street address of the SC State Fair?
- PEPSI® Grandstand Entertainment?
- PEPSI® Grandstand Tickets?
- PEPSI® Grandstand layout?
- How do I apply to be an entertainer at the SC State Fair?
- Free Grounds Attractions, Roving Entertainment, & Stage Shows?
- Local Entertainment - How do I register to perform at the SC State Fair?
- Roving Entertainment? See "Daily Schedule of Events and Entertainment" and click on day to view Roving Entertainment schedule.
- School Groups - How to register my students to perform on the WIS Stage?
- 4-H Day?
- Exceptional Citizens Day?
- FFA Day?
- Kindergarten Tour Days?
- Military Appreciation Day?
- NASCAR Nite?
- Opening Day Special?
- POP (Pay-One_Price) Ride Day?
- Physics Day?
- Scout Day?
- Senior Citizens Day?
- Special Promotions Daily Schedule?
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
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.
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 Regular
(ages 6 - 54)Senior
(ages 55 and over)Child
(ages 2 - 5)Child
(under 2)
Credit or Debit Cards Accepted
No Checks
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.
Discount Tickets - For best value, purchase Ride Tickets prior to opening day of Fair.
TREEmendous Fun Value Deal
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.
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!!!
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.
When is Military Appreciation Day?
Friday, October 23, 2009
TREEmendous Fun Value DealMilitary Personnel (active and retired duty), National Guard, Reservists, and dependents with proper ID admitted free until 6:00pm.
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.
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
- Kindergarten Day Registration Form
Contact Lauren Funderburk at 803-799-3387 ext. 15 for more information or to be added to the mailing list.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Who operates the Midway (games & rides) ?
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.
Please note: Concert tickets do not include gate admission to the Fair.
- 2009 PEPSI® Grandstand Concerts
- PEPSI® Grandstand Concert information
- ORDER TICKETS ONLINE beginning July 1
PEPSI® Grandstand Concert Seating Chart
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.
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
2009 Horse Show Schedule - Abernathy Arena
Click here for 2009 Horse Show Pocket Schedule
Paso Fino Horse Exhibition
Thursday, October 15
Youth Horse Show
Saturday & Sunday, October 17 & 18Carolinas 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
- 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.
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.
