South Carolina State Fair

From corn dogs and blue-ribbon roses to roller coasters and prize-winning pigs, the South Carolina State Fair is best known for bringing 12 days of exhibits, competitions, food, midway rides and entertainment to Columbia each October. The charitable organization, though, operates year-round. With six exhibit halls and 104 acres adjacent to the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium, the South Carolina State Fair offers football parking and is a popular venue for major events such as home and garden shows, civic functions and charitable fundraisers. The South Carolina State Fair is also home to Columbia’s downtown holiday drive-through lights show, Carolina Lights. The South Carolina State Fair, a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was organized in 1869 and is dedicated to preserving and promoting South Carolina’s agricultural roots while supporting statewide education. The South Carolina State Fair has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships since 1997. The South Carolina State Fair brand has always been associated with highlighting the best of our state. The organization, though, operates year-round. With six exhibit halls and 115 acres adjacent to the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium, the fair offers football parking and is a popular venue for major events such as craft shows, home and garden shows, boat shows, civic functions and charitable fundraisers. A self-supporting 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the fair fulfills its mission to educate young adults by awarding scholarships and since 1997, has granted more than $3 million to South Carolina students.