S.C. State Fair returning with focus on safety

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The S.C. State Fair is gearing up for a 12-day return in October, with rides, food, exhibits and competitions set to return to the Rosewood Drive fairgrounds with increased safety precautions. 

Nearly 70 rides and 90 food stands will be featured Oct. 13-24 at the fair, which offered a drive-through food and exhibits in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers emphasized at a news conference earlier this week that the fair will follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and local mask guidelines and will have more hand sanitation stations, limited contact payment options and ramped-up cleaning protocols. 

“The health of our guests is of the upmost importance, and we ask that each guest does their part by following our latest event policies,” Nancy Smith, S.C. State Fair general manager, said in a news release. “We strongly encourage all fairgoers to evaluate their own potential risk of exposure to COVID-19 before choosing to attend, knowing that vaccines remain the best protection from the virus.”

In October 2020, more than 25,000 vehicles came through the six-day drive-through fair, according to the release, with an additional 15,500 counted at a spring food drive-through in April 2021.

The 2021 fair will also institute a mandatory clear bag policy. 

A free daily Circus at the Fair event will return this year, featuring new acts and shows, while traditional favorites such as pig races, arts and crafts and livestock exhibits will also return. Some new foods will be featured, with an expanded cookie kitchen offering up more treats. 

The fair is currently accepting competition entries, which must be submitted by Sept. 1.  

Discount admission and ride tickets go on sale Sept. 8 and will be available through Oct. 12 at SCStateFair.org or participating Circle K convenience stores.

“For more than 150 years, the South Carolina State Fair has brought families and friends together to create lifelong memories,” Smith said. “As always, safety is our top priority, and we’ve taken extra precautions this year."