Columbia, South Carolina State Fair History

USC hotels State Fair Events Columbia, SC State Fair Hotel SC Fairgrounds Facilities SC State Fair Carnival Rides

Columbia, South Carolina's State Fair is an historic community fair that dates back to the early 19th century. The State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina 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. In 1912, the Society bought the Hippodrome Building, which had been used for the Jamestown Exposition near Norfolk, Virginia in 1907 and for the National Republican Convention in 1908. Then the South Carolina State Fair was moved to Columbia, where the National Corn show was held that year. Destroyed by fire in 1966, the building was replaced by the present Hampton and Ruff Buildings.

South Carolina State Fair Events.

The South Carolina Fair in Columbia is known for competitive events and champion livestock displays. 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, events and 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.

South Carolina Fairgrounds Facilities.

The South Carolina Fairgrounds in Columbia total six 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.

SC State Fair Carnival Rides & Entertainment.

The South Carolina State Fair is home to a thrilling array of carnival rides and entertainment each season. 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.