The South Carolina State Fair opens soon – here’s what’s new this year

Columbia is set to come alive for 12 straight days as the 154th South Carolina State Fair makes its return Oct. 11-22. The annual event is promising a fusion of tradition and innovation — featuring not only the fair classics but also 13 new foods and drinks and two world-class traveling exhibits, according to a news release.

“From the blue-ribbon home-grown produce to the outstanding entertainment, many people across the great state of South Carolina contribute each year to make your South Carolina State Fair possible,” S.C. State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith said in the release. “Many of the fair favorites that you’ve come to know and love are back, along with some new and exciting offerings around every corner. We can’t wait to meet you all at the Rocket for 12 days of fun and excitement.”

Here are the highlights of new features at this year's fair.

Meet Me at the World-Class Traveling Exhibitions (New)

Experience two traveling exhibitions: Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition and Remembering Our Fallen.

Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition

The Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition is a walkthrough documentary capturing some of the most iconic and intimate moments in Royal Family history. Embark on a journey through Princess Diana’s life from a perspective you’ve never heard before — hers. For the first time in his 60-year-career, Princess Diana’s favorite Official Royal Photographer and companion, Anwar Hussein, shares the untold stories of Royal life and the Princess that we could not take our eyes off of and observed closely.

Remembering Our Fallen

Discover this traveling tribute to our military fallen from the Global War on Terror, Remembering Our Fallen, a photographic war memorial showcases 34 tribute towers, honoring not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also those who served in combat zones and succumbed to invisible wounds. Additionally, a tribute tower has been included to pay homage to our brave military personnel who tragically lost their lives in stateside or non-combat training accidents. Join us in honoring their service and sacrifice at the profound memorial.

Meet Me at the Food and Drink Stands (food and beverages)

With more than 90 food stands, the South Carolina State Fair is a haven for food lovers. In addition to the classics such as foot-long corn dogs, elephant ears, lemonade, turkey legs and fried Oreos, guests can enjoy a variety of 13 new food and drink options this year, including Billy G’s Carolina BBQ, pumpkin spice funnel cake, dill pickle pizza, fried salted caramel pretzel brownies, mighty mango tea and more. For the first time ever, along with the warm cookies and milk available at the Pro Kitchen Cookie Kitchen, pair your cookies with coffee from Oliver Gospel Mission.

Here's a list of acts performing during the Meet Me at the Pepsi Place Stage events:

The following bands will perform, with concerts Monday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. on the Pepsi Place Stage.

• Groove Machine, Oct. 11
• Tokyo Joe – Southern Sky, A Tribute to the Eagles, Oct. 12
• The Afters, Presented by His Radio 92.1, Oct. 13
• The Regulars, Presented by iHeart Radio, Oct. 14
• Columbia’s Praise Evening, Presented by Columbia’s Praise 95.7 FM, Oct. 15
• Jason Sikes Tribute to Elvis, Oct. 16
• Carolina Bluegrass Style, Presented by iHeart Radio, Oct. 17
• J.B. SamSon, Presented by iHeart Radio, Oct. 18
• Faith Schueler, Presented by iHeart Radio, Oct. 19
• Dracula, sneak peek presented by Columbia City Ballet, Oct. 20
• David Rodriguez and the Latin Hustle, Presented by iHeart Radio, Oct. 21
• Kelontae Gavin, Presented by WFMV, Oct. 22