Thursday, Oct. 17 from 10 am – Noon
On October 17th, 2024 the lights will shine a little less, and the sounds will be more quiet. This will happen from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM when the South Carolina State Fair hosts a Sensory Friendly Morning on Exceptional Citizens Day at the Fair.
Sensory Friendly Morning Highlights
- On Thursday, Oct. 17, children and adults with autism and other sensory processing disabilities are invited to enter the fair up to one hour before the gates officially open at 11:00 am.
- From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, some rides will be operating without music or flashing lights to create a more comfortable experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities. All other rides and games will begin running with regular settings starting at 12:00 PM.
- Buildings will be quieter places from 10 AM to 12:00 PM
- Food will start at 10 a.m.
- Quiet walking acts will perform starting at 10 a.m.
- Be sure to visit PAALS between 10 am and 12 noon in the goats/swine barn.
- You can visit the Petting Zoo, Heritage Village, and the “46 Reasons to Celebrate S.C.” exhibit to name a few.
- You can visit the Pro Kitchen Cookie Kitchen. Read about our Cookie Kitchen Coloring Page!
- You can bring your noise-cancelling headphones.
- When you hear the National Anthem over the speakers this means that the noise of the fair will be loud again.
- If you need a quiet space when the Fair is loud again, you can visit the Cantey Building.
- You should only carry a clear bag into the Fair.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no need to pre-register for this event.
Parking is available on the fairgrounds in the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park. Parking will open at 9 a.m. at Gate 6, Gate 7 or Gate 10.
It costs $10 to park. You can only pay for parking using a credit card or Apple Pay.
The fair address is 901 George Rogers Blvd., Columbia, S.C. This address will take you to the Gate 6 parking entrance.
People with sensory processing disabilities with one personal care attendant, friend or family member can enter the fair at no cost on Thursday, Oct. 17.
All guests of the Fair will enter through a security check point. You may hear some beeps as people are walking through.
