The South Carolina State Fair
A Historic Community Fair. The State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina, a charitable institution owned and controlled by life members, is responsible for the establishment of the South Carolina State Fair back in the 1800s. Since 1904, the fair has taken place along Bluff Road in Columbia, SC, the state’s capital city.
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Competitive Exhibits at the SC State Fair. The first South Carolina State Fair was held in 1869 on a tract of land on Elmwood Avenue in Columbia. When this area became too small, the Society moved the Fair to its present position in 1904, which offers 125,000sq. feet of exhibition space. To enhance the State Fair's exhibits, competitions were developed in a variety of categories to determine which entries were the best in South Carolina. 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 in categories like the fine arts, home arts, culinary, horticulture, and livestock. [Top]
The SC Fairgrounds. The Society has 6 buildings, totaling more than 125,000 square feet of exhibit space. The premiums offered for the Society's annual state fair have grown from $5,000 in 1882 to more than $215,000 today, and, at the same time, attendance has increased from 3,000 to over 600,000. The State Fair is held in October, but other shows, exhibitions, and events are held at the site throughout the year to further the Society's objective "to promote the material, educational, agricultural and industrial interests of the state." Whether you’re attending the South Carolina State Fair or another Columbia event at the fairgrounds, stay at the Inn at USC, just 2 miles away. Our deluxe accommodations in the heart of historic Columbia include complimentary hot breakfast, free wireless high speed Internet access in every guestroom, and luxurious pillow-top beds. [Top]
Carnival Rides and Entertainment. A state fair isn’t a state fair without thrilling, chilling rides and awesome entertainment, and the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia is no exception to that rule. With over 60 ride choices, plan on spending at least a couple of days at the fair. Major rides include the Twister, Tilt, and Sizzler. Kiddy rides like the Merry-Go-Round, Circus Train, and traditional Fun House are a fantastic state fair introduction to the young and young-at-heart. At the Grandstand, you’ll find musical acts by performers like the Four Tops, Joe Nichols, and Raven-Symone. [Top]
