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Longtime elephant ear vendor in Orangeburg County will close up shop after the county fair

After serving the Midlands for 30 years, Tracy's will close its doors as owners move on for a new adventure.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — For more than 30 years, the Orangeburg County Fair has been home to Tracy's Elephant Ears.

"We've met a lot of people, from babies all the way until their grown and have their own babies and bring them back and a lot of really wonderful people," said Hairy "Tracy" Vernum.

But when the gates close on Sunday, it'll be the last time the sweet dough is dropped at this stand.

"We will miss the people and the excitement of the fair," said Vernum. "The other hand, we're ready for a new adventure."

Tracy has lived in Branchville for over three decades, serving the Orangeburg County community and making lifelong connections. But all good things must end, and she'll be moving back north to her hometown in upstate New York.

"We literally came here just for that because we know she's not going to be here after this week," said Crystal Jackson.

Crystal Jackson has attended the Orangeburg County Fair since she was a little girl and says she never misses Tracy's Elephant Ears.

"I just found out just now that she's not just retiring," said Jackson. "Like she's moving away as well so that's very sad."

Sondra Kitt catches Tracy's Elephant Ears whenever she sees her around Orangeburg.

"I don't know who is going to be selling elephant ears around town," said Kitt. "So it is going to be sad to see her go."

The Orangeburg County Fair ends on Sunday, October 8th.

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