COLUMBIA, S.C. — Final preparations are underway for the 2024 South Carolina State Fair, which opens Wednesday.
Vendors and staff are making last-minute adjustments as the fair prepares to welcome thousands of visitors.
“We really work on this all year," said South Carolina State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith. "I think it’s important for folks to know we don’t just start this now."
Crews are preparing food stalls and checking rides as part of the finishing touches. Among the new food options this year is Deep Fried Tacos, a vendor making its fair debut.
“We had a couple of days of driving back and forth with some equipment, showed up here full force since Friday, and from there on out, we've been pecking away at it with the crew," said James Staub, owner of Deep Fried Tacos. "Today, we’re doing final touches with getting computers, and iPads set up."
Fairgoers can expect a new traffic pattern to improve entry and exit times. New gates and routes have been added at the fairgrounds.
“We’ve added entrances and exits to our main gates, which are gates 6 and 10, and we have a new gate on George Rogers Boulevard, kind of across the street from Key Road that will be an entry gate, that's never been before. Gate 8 will now serve as an additional exit gate," Smith said.
Increased security measures are in place this year, including walk-through metal detectors, additional lighting, more cameras, and a clear bag policy.
Also, the fair’s updated youth admission policy requires visitors under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 21 or older. Previously enforced only Sunday through Thursday after 5 p.m., the policy now applies all day Friday and Saturday.
This year’s fair theme is “46 Reasons to Celebrate SC,” featuring exhibits highlighting each of the state’s 46 counties.
The South Carolina State Fair runs from Oct. 9 to Oct. 20 at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia.