COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) — The South Carolina State Fair will return Oct. 15-25 with more than 60 rides, new food and entertainment options, and a new performance area at the fairgrounds.
This year’s fair will feature the debut of Pepsi Plaza, along with new attractions including Pegasus, a high-speed ride making what organizers call its North American debut; Sea Lion Splash; and live matches from Palmetto Championship Wrestling.
The free daily CIRCUS at the Fair will return for a seventh year.
Organizers also plan concerts, stage shows, roving performers, competitive exhibits, livestock displays and activities in Heritage Village.
More than 90 food and beverage vendors will be on site, including 15 new offerings such as deep-fried birria tacos, bacon cheese curds, key lime crunch funnel cake, strawberry cream lemonade and a Reese’s Donut Burger.
The fair’s theme this year is “Rooted in Fun,” reflecting its agricultural history and connection to family traditions.
The fair also will feature exhibits tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States, including the SC250: Revolutionary South Carolina Discovery Center and a Holocaust remembrance exhibit created by the Columbia Holocaust Education Commission.
Discount admission tickets are available through Oct. 14 for $10 at participating Circle K stores or $11 online.
Admission prices during the fair range from $15 to $20. Ride vouchers cost $32 at participating Circle K stores or $33 online before the fair.
The fair also announced that it awarded 54 South Carolina high school seniors $10,000 Ride of Your Life Scholarships this year, totaling $540,000.
The program has awarded nearly $6.5 million since 1997, according to organizers.
The fair will be open daily during the 11-day run. Children 5 and younger will be admitted free.
Parking will cost $10 per vehicle on most days and $20 on Oct. 24, when South Carolina is scheduled to play Tennessee at Williams-Brice Stadium.
More information, including schedules, ticket details and safety policies, is available at SCStateFair.org.
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