COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina State Fair is only in Columbia for twelve days, so the time to enjoy the funnel cakes, turkey legs, donut dogs and more is limited. But, the fair does offer a way for South Carolinians to fit these foods into their schedule.
“We're really interested in the donut burgers and the funnel cake,” Osborne said. “So we're excited to try those.”
Courtney Osborne and her co-workers from Marriott Columbia are enjoying the fair on their lunch break.
“It’s a great turnout,” Osborne said. “I can't believe there are so many people here on a work day.”
They’re part of Thursday's Lunch Bunch rush. The Lunch Bunch program lets folks enter the fair on weekdays between 12:00 and 2 p.m. for $20. Once they’re in, they can enjoy lunch from a vendor and a short visit to the fair. If they leave by 2 p.m., they get their $20 back.
“It actually got its start many moons ago when The State newspaper was right across the street, George Rogers Boulevard, and those folks wanted an opportunity just to come into the fairgrounds and just for lunchtime,” Smith said.
Nancy Smith is the General Manager of the State Fair. She says they’ve had more and more people participate over the years.
“It really amounts to free admission during those hours and it gives people an opportunity to come in,” Smith said.
Marcus Fogle and his coworkers at USC's Honors College took advantage of the program too.
“Anytime you can get a corndog, funnel cake on lunch and head back into work- if you can stay awake- this would be a good opportunity,” Fogle said.