Sophia Hall, 4, and brother Cohen, 6, love the kiddie dragon roller coaster at the South Carolina State Fair, exclaiming, “the hills were so yay!” Photo by Abagael Strating/Carolina Reporter

By Hardy Smothers|October 24, 2025

The South Carolina State Fair can create lasting memories and shared experiences for the nearly 400,000 visitors it attracts in less than two weeks. 

While the wet weather this past weekend kept people away, the next several days are expected to bring in big crowds before the fair closes Sunday.

The 12-day event brings families and friends together each year to enjoy midway rides and games, carbohydrate-heavy food, farm animals and, three times a day, a free circus. 

With so many options to choose from, all ages can find something they enjoy.  

“I’ve been coming here all my life, and now I get to bring my son,” Carson Debruhl said. “We love seeing the animals and eating French fries.” 

Classic favorites such as fries, corn dogs, turkey legs and funnel cakes this year joined pickled pizza, doughnut hamburgers and deep-fried tacos. 

“I’ve been coming here for over 10 years, and I always get one of the corn dogs and strawberry lemonades,” Jasmine Davis said. 

The fair also includes an art exhibit that allows people to submit their artwork in hopes of winning prizes. The artwork includes paintings, drawings, pottery, mixed media and sculptures. 

Lita Kyle said she and her husband come every year, but this year’s was more meaningful to them. 

“We have a good time every time we get here,” Kyle said. “This year was special to us because we came to see our granddaughter’s picture that was entered in (the art exhibit).” 

Daily promotions included children 5 and under getting free admission on all 12 days of the fair. Seniors age 55 and up enjoy a discounted $15 entry daily, except on Senior Day, Oct. 15, when seniors’ admission was $5. 

Butch Knight took advantage of Senior Day, saying he and his wife love the food selections. 

“Me and my wife love to look at the art and try different foods,” Knight said. “Everyone that comes has to try different foods.”  

Attendance is down slightly this year, according to Nancy Smith, the fair’s general manager.

“All of that is due to the rain,” she said Thursday. “It was a washout last Sunday and rained all day. But with Seniors Day yesterday, we had a big crowd, and we’re looking to finish off these last four days strong.” 

The fair has a different theme each year. This year’s is “Harvesting Happiness” to honor the agricultural roots and the role of farm-grown foods in bringing people together. 

The fair, with its elevated Sky Ride stretching across the fun below, runs through this Sunday. The fairgrounds are just south of downtown Columbia, on George Rogers Boulevard, across from the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium. 

General admission, for those age 6 to 54, is $16 online and $20 at the gate. Most rides and games are extra.

The fair, a nonprofit organization, gives out $530,000 in scholarships each year to students attending college across South Carolina, Smith said. 

A blue ribbon winning display of canned fruits and vegetables sits neatly arranged in the agriculture building at the South Carolina State Fair. Photo by Giovanni Cusatis/Carolina Reporter

A Ferris wheel lights up the evening sky alongside the iconic South Carolina State Fair rocket. Photo by Camille Molton/Carolina Reporter

Three-year-old Lawton Mahoney and his grandfather Ralph Bleasdale welcome “Shadow” to their family: the small, blue dragon they won at the South Carolina State Fair. Photo by Katie Cannon/Carolina Reporter

A camel chews his cud at the petting zoo while awaiting visitors at the South Carolina State Fair. Photo by Hardy Smothers/Carolina Reporter

Atalia Williams, 4, rides the Crazy Sub all by herself but every time she reaches the top, she waves enthusiasatically to her parents, Joe and Cierra, who wave right back at her from the ground. Photo by Olivia Sisson/Carolina Reporter

 A couple turn their South Carolina State Fair trip into a forever memory with a  photo booth picture. Photo by Katie Cannon/Carolina Reporter

Laney Steele shoots for her mark at the watergun game at the State Fair. Photo by Amelia Gay/Carolina Reporter

The Sky Ride offers a panoramic view of the State Fair at dusk. More than 400,000 people attended this year in the fair’s 12-day run. Photo by Giovanni Cusatis

Two beef cattle watch passers-by as they wait to be shown at the South Carolina State Fair. Competitions for cattle include various breed classes and showmanship contests for both open and junior exhibitors. Photo by CJ Leathers/Carolina Reporter

The Amazing Aydar entertains 3-year-old Nana Shepperdo who traveled from Aiken with her mother Jade to enjoy a day at the South Carolina State Fair. Photo by Miles Shea/Carolina Reporter