COLUMBIA, S.C. — Foodies who just can't wait until fall to get their favorite fair food won't have to. The South Carolina State Fair's Spring drive-thru event is returning in mid-April.
"We are excited to bring the magic of fair food to our community with the annual Spring Fair Food Drive-Thru," said fair general manager Nancy Smith in a statement.
The event will begin on April 16 and continue through April 22. The event will also feature a special walk-in kickoff day on April 15 and there will even be special movie nights on the last two days.
The event is expected to include many fan-favorite foods from Fiske fries to funnel cakes.
The drive-thru event began during COVID-19 amid many other changes for health and safety, but it ended up being so popular that it has not only continued but also grown.
"It’s proven to be a success and something our loyal patrons have come to love," Smith said. "We’re so excited that we can add new dimensions to this now-annual tradition.”
A free picnic table area on the Bluff Road side of the fairgrounds is one of the major additions for those who want to eat at the event but not in their cars.
Fair food event schedule
April 15: Walk-In Kickoff Day from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. (On Spring Game Day, parking at the fairgrounds is $10 and visitors parking there will need to enter Gate 6 at 601 George Rogers Boulevard after 3 p.m. However, there is no charge to enter the Kickoff Day event.
April 16 thru April 22: These are the official days for the drive-thru food fair. The drive-thru is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday. The event is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Guests will need to drive in at Gate 6 on George Rogers Boulevard to get in line. There will be six lines containing the same food options. The only cost of the event is for the food itself and there is no entrance fee.
April 21 and April 22: The South Carolina State Fair is hosting a free movie night with screenings beginning at 8:15 p.m. Guests are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets as these won't be provided. Concessions will be available for purchase on both nights. No cars, alcohol, outside food, or pets will be allowed in the movie area.
Food available this year:
- Fiske fries
- Corn dogs
- Turkey legs
- Sausage sandwiches
- Hot dogs,
- Funnel cakes
- Elephant ears
- Fried Oreos
- Cookie dough and cheesecake
- Cotton candy
- Candy apples
- Caramel corn
- Lemonade
- Pepsi brand 20 oz. bottled drinks
- Water
Guests can find more information about the food at the SC State Fair website.
