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Last Update 10/16/08 at 2:50 pm

GENERAL INFORMATION

TICKETS - GATE, RIDE & PEPSI® GRANDSTAND CONCERTS

RIDES & GAMES

COMPETITIONS

CONTESTS

DEMONSTRATIONS

DIRECTIONS TO THE FAIR

ENTERTAINMENT

FREE STAGE SHOWS

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

SPECIAL PROMOTION DAYS

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Dates of the 2008 South Carolina State Fair

October 8-19

Twelve fun-filled days just to see you SMILE!

Special Promotion Days, Free Stage Shows, Special Attractions & Roving Entertainment 

Hours of Operation (Admission Gates, Buildings & Midway)

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 the opening hours listed in the links below:

Click on a day below to view the Daily Schedule of Events...

Wednesday, October 8
Thursday, October 9
Friday, October 10
Saturday, October 11
Sunday, October 12
Monday, October 13
Tuesday, October 14
Wednesday, October 15
Thursday, October 16
Friday, October 17
Saturday, October 18
Sunday, October 19

Gate Admission

Click Here for Details

Discount Tickets on sale beginning July 1.

Opening Day Special - $1 Gate Admission sold only at gate on Wednesday, Oct. 8 - Gates open at 3:00 pm

Parking

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.

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

Ride Tickets

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

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.

 

Saturday Ride Special - 9am - 1pm

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

What is “Lunch at the Fair”?

Each week day (Monday – Friday), between 12 Noon and 2:00 PM, 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 2:00 PM, you can reclaim your $5 deposit with the “token” at the exit gate. This is the best deal in town so tell your co-workers and friends to join you at the fair for lunch each week day of the fair.

Ride the "free" CMRTA Lunch Shuttle from Downtown Columbia to the fairgrounds each weekday from 11 AM - 2 PM during the Fair. Total roundtrip time 30 minutes (15 minutes each way). Have more time to enjoy your lunch and leave the driving to CMRTA.

2008 Lunch Shuttle Map and Schedule

When is Military Appreciation Day?

Friday, October 17, 2008
Military Personnel (active and retired duty), National Guard, Reservists, and dependents with proper ID admitted free until 6:00 PM.

What are Competitive Exhibits?

The first South Carolina State Fair was held in 1869 on a tract of land on Elmwood Avenue conveyed to the State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina by the City of Columbia for the purpose of holding an annual Fair to promote the material, educational, agricultural and industrial interest of the State. When this area became too small, the Society moved the Fair to its present position in 1904.

To enhance the State Fair's exhibits, competitions were developed in a variety of categories to determine which entries were the best in the Palmetto State. With that same pioneering spirit, the South Carolina State Fair continues to host unique competitions showcasing a variety of industries, including those that extend far beyond agriculture.

The Society has six exhibit buildings, totaling more than 125,000 square feet of exhibit space, and offers in excess of $215,000 in premiums annually in categories such as fine arts, home arts, culinary, agriculture, horticulture, and livestock.

Pre-Fair Entry Registration is required in all departments during the month of August. Entries must be received during the Open Entry Registration Period to avoid late fees.

Visit the Online Premium Guide for additional information and access to the Online Entry System.

When is the Greatest Grandparent Essay Contest?

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Greatest Grandparent Essay Contest Application

Registration Period is over...link disabled.


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 19, 2008.

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 12, 2008 at 2:00 PM.

When are Kindergarten Tour Days?

Monday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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.

Registration Period is over...link disabled.

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

 

See ETV's Smart Cat & his favorite veggies in the Americraft-Cantey Building...

Monday, October 13

9:30 am - 11:00 am     Carrot & Watermelon

10:30 am - 12 Noon     Carrot & Apple

Tuesday, October 14

9:30 am - 11:00 am     Squash & Peach

10:30 am - 12 Noon     Strawberry & Corn

Kids, Vote for your favorite veggie at www.etvkids.org.

 

When is HUMANA Senior Day?

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Discount Gate admission of $5 for Seniors (age 55 years and over) is available each and every day of the Fair.  

Grand Ole Opry registration and free gift at the Humana booth inside the Hampton Building every day at the Fair. Plus get VIP parking for the first 500 guests showing Humana ID cards on Humana Day only.

In addition, the Fair offers special activities during the day especially for Seniors, such as FREE Ferris Wheel rides all day!!!

When is Physics Day?

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - WLTX Stage
All students wearing the official Physics Day Wristband admitted free. Contact Jeff Wilson (USC Dept. of Physics) at (803) 777-4650 for additional information.

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When is FFA Day?

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
FFA (Future Farmers of America) members presenting official letter of invitation at Fair admission gate will be admitted free.

When is Exceptional Citizens Day?

Thursday, October 16, 2008
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.

When is 4-H Day?

Saturday, October 11, 2008

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

4-H is celebrating its 100th Anniversary! Join other 4-H'ers in reciting the 4-H Pledge and for a special National flag raising ceremony at 12 Noon (inside South Gate) as we commemorate the 4-H Centennial - Making the Best Better Since 1908.

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 11, 2008 on the WLTX Stage.

Click here CROWNS ACROSS AMERICA for additional information.

Pageant Director, Gay C. Berry

telephone (803) 905-2608

e-mail caaqueens@yahoo.com

web site www.scbeautypageants.com

When is Scout Day?

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Girl Scouts in Official Scout Uniform, Pin, and Sash or Vest admitted free from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Don't miss the Girl Scout Sing-A-Long on the WLTX Stage at 12:30 PM.

Boy Scouts in Official Scout Uniform or Scout Cap & T-shirt admitted free from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

             

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.

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

 

How do I register my students to perform on the 2008 WIS Spirit of Carolina Stage? REGISTRATION PERIOD HAS ENDED FOR 2008.

Complete a registration form found below and submit to the SC State Fair. Registration period ends June 30, 2008. Registration period ends June 30, 2008.

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

  • WIS Spirit of Carolina Stage Registration Letter
  • Registration Form

Registration Period is over...links disabled.

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

Submit promotional materials by November 30 for consideration for the next year's fair to:

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

2008 Horse Show Schedule - Abernathy Arena

Click here for 2008 Horse Show Pocket Schedule                                                                                        (updated 7/16/08)

Paso Fino Horse Exhibition
Thursday, October 9


Youth & Open Horse Show
Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12

Carolinas Mounted Patrol Assn. Exhibition

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

Wednesday & Thursday, October 15 & 16

Donkey & Mule Show sponsored by the

SC Donkey & Mule Association

Friday & Saturday, October 17 & 18

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

Sunday, October 19

Ground Conveniences

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

 

Get the latest news and information from the South Carolina State Fair!

 
October 14-25