By Scott Grooms
This month’s Daytrippin’ is a trip to the South Carolina State Fair.
Fall is fair time and a number of fairs, large and small, are within driving distance. The county fair has been a tradition back to the 1800’s, and the South Carolina State Fair has been in existence for 40 years. Located in Columbia at the fairgrounds across from Williams Brice Stadium, the state fairs iconic rocket can be seen as you enter the fair. This is your traditional fair with displays of homemade desserts and jellies being judged, (you might even find Aunt Bee’s Pickles), farm animal such as cows, chickens, and hogs in competition. There is even an area for the submission of home arts and crafts to be seen and judged. There is a wide variety of submissions from quilts to needlepoint, Lego displays and doll house rooms, and paintings and photography to be judged. All the participants vying for the coveted blue ribbon.
Also at the fair is an opportunity to see displays from local businesses displaying everything from tractors to jacuzzies. Children also have the opportunity to interact with local first responders and receive a small badge or fire helmet.
After touring the exhibits, it is time for the rides. With numerous ferris wheels, rollers coasters and thrill rides for those with a strong stomach, there are plenty of options for rides at the fair.
Once you have ridden the rides, it’s time to eat. (Side note, don’t eat then ride, your fellow fair goers will appreciate it). The amount of food at the fair allows you to enjoy almost anything you want. There are Elephant Ears, Fried Oreos, Turkey Legs, hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ, a large assortment of candy, and of course pizza. If you happen to go to the Iowa State Fair they offer Deep Fried Butter on a Stick. (if it can be fried, you will find it at the fair). The delicious smells are all around the fairgrounds.
One of the great features of the fair is the entertainment with local and national acts appearing. Most of the entertainment is free with admission.
Finally, there are the games where you can win a stuffed animal to carry around the fair and might not fit in you car. You can throw darts at balloons, balls at milk cans, fish for prizes, or throw a ring over a bottle. There are dozens of opportunities to test your skill and lighten your wallet.
There are numerous fairs in the area over the next few weeks, The Coastal Carolina Fair is coming up. Also, the Upstate South Carolina Fair, The North Carolina State Fair, The Effingham County Fair, the Coastal Empire Fair, and the Central Georgia State Fair. These are just a few of the upcoming fairs in the area.
So, take a day and plan a trip to the fair. You can people watch, see some great entertainment, and have a great day with the family.
