10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at the SC State Fair!

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10 Things You Don't Want to Miss at the SC State Fair - Columbia SC Moms BlogIt’s that time of year again! One of the Midlands’ most anticipated events, the South Carolina State Fair opens their gates this Wednesday, October 12 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 23. If you are a newcomer to the State Fair, there are countless things for parents and kids to enjoy. But even if you and your family are SC State Fair regulars, there are some great new additions this year that you won’t want to miss!

1. Online Ride Vouchers

For the first time, you can purchase ride vouchers online. Take advantage of this new feature and spend more of your visit enjoying all the rides, entertainment, and food (and less time standing in line)!

2. Pay-One-Price (POP) Ride Days

This year will be the first time Pay-One-Price (POP) Ride Days are available EVERY DAY, including weekends! No more worrying about whether you purchased the right number of tickets, or waiting until a specific day so you can take advantage of one price ride wristbands. Pick the perfect day for your visit and stop by a ticket kiosk at the fairgrounds to trade in your ride voucher for a POP wristband. You’ll receive unlimited rides all day, every day! (Bonus: Buy your voucher online before the fair begins and save between $5 – $10 per ticket!)

3. New Foods

It wouldn’t be the SC State Fair without treating yourself to some of the delicious and one-of-a-kind food options! The already impressive menu has grown this year to include some new favorites. Make sure to try out additional options like steak sundaes, deep fried birthday cake pops, quesadilla burgers, and pickled corn dogs.

newfood_quesadilla
Quesadilla burger? Yes, please!

4. New Rides

Let’s face it, if you’re a veteran to the fair, you definitely have your favorites (Crazy Mouse, anyone)? This year, there are also three new rides to enjoy. Take your children to Charlie Chopper, a helicopter race that allows riders to control the throttle. Tweens will enjoy the Tornado, which takes passengers up in the air, tilts, and allows them to spin their car at their own will. And for teens and parents, there is the Freak Out. True to the name, passengers swing out to dangle over the Midway as they rise to 40 feet in the air at a 120 degree angle, all while their seats rotate.

5. Free Admission for the 5 and Under Crowd

During all twelve days of the fair, children five years and younger are admitted free of charge! Save that extra money to enjoy some of the Midway Games or other fun attractions and offerings!

6. Military Appreciation

For all active and retired military, as well as their dependents, admission is free every day. Just make sure you bring your proper military ID along with you.

7. $1 Admission Day

Opening day is Wednesday, Oct. 12, and to celebrate the occasion, admission is only $1! This offer is cash only, and only available at the gate, so be sure to stop by the ATM before you come. You’ll also need that cash to pay $5 parking, which supports their scholarship fund (awarding more than $300,000 to students each year).

newride_charliechopper
Kids will love the new Charlie Chopper ride!

8. Fair and Football

On Saturday, Oct. 22, spend your usual tailgate time at the State Fair before heading into Williams-Brice to watch The Gamecocks play. Show your tickets at the gate and take advantage of free admission before kickoff.

9. Lunch Break Promotion

Pay $10 at the gate and spend your weekday lunch break enjoying the many food options the SC State Fair has to offer. This offer runs from Monday to Friday from noon to 2 p.m. Make sure you’re back to the gates by 2 p.m. in order to receive a $10 refund.

10. Tons of Major Attractions

Whether it’s entertaining concerts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, exciting opportunities like Nascar Night, or fun favorites like The Greatest Grandparent Contest, the South Carolina State Fair has something for everyone! Check out the Calendar of Events and make your plans to attend Oct. 12 – 23!

Looking for all the details on what to expect this year? Be sure to check out their website. See you at the rocket!

 – Giveaway! –

There is so much fun happening at the fair this year, and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the action! Enter now for your chance to win a family 4-pack of admission tickets and 2 ride vouchers!

Family 4-Pack of Admission Tickets and 2 Ride Vouchers to SC State Fair

What are you and your family looking forward to at the fair this year?

 

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Hannah Gunning
Hannah is the Marketing Coordinator for Columbia Mom, as well as a contributing writer. She lives in Irmo with her husband and two young daughters, along with a very energetic yorkshire terrier. Hannah graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Management, and from Colorado State University with a master's degree in Accounting. She spent some of her time at USC as a political cartoonist for The Gamecock, the university’s newspaper. Hannah is passionate about writing, social justice, coffee, and raising strong women. You can also find her writing at Her View From Home, as well as her blog, Palindromic Musings, where she writes about living with and navigating through grief.

7 COMMENTS

  1. Are there other options for ride tickets? We are usually only there for an hour or two and don’t need the unlimited all day option.

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