"Rejoice! We are heir to the fun of a fair, for nothing's so rare in the sun and fresh air."  ~Anonymous

In this issue:

What's New

• 2007 SC State Fair Web Site Launch Set for July 2
• 2007 Partnership Opportunities
• Opening Day Special
• 2007 SC State Fair PEPSI® Grandstand Entertainment
• Advance Tickets and PAY-ONE-PRICE (POP) DAYS
• 2007 SC State Fair Entertainment Exhibits
• 2007 SC State Fair Scholarship Winners
• First Citizens Bank Sponsors 2007 SC State Fair Art Exhibitions - Top Awards Increased
• Fine Art Purchase Patron Program
• Fine Art Gazebo Offers Unique Opportunity to SC Artists
• SC Farm Bureau and SC Horsemen's Council to Sponsor Equine Scholarships
• Carnival Initiates a Smoke-Free Midway in 2007
• Fair Safety Video
• HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

Competitive Exhibitors

• 2007 Open Entry Registration - August 1 - 31
• State Fair Recipes.com
• SPECIAL BAKING CONTESTS: Ladies and Gentlemen ...Start Your Ovens!

Around the Fairgrounds

• SC State Fair Employee Receives CFE Status
• Monthly Calendar of Events
• RV/Camper Parking for Year-Round Events
• Football Fans - "Tailgate Under the Rocket"
• e-News

2007 SC STATE FAIR WEB SITE LAUNCH SET FOR JULY 2

The 2007 SC State Fair web site will be launched on July 2 at www.scstatefair.org. Please note that all entertainment dates and times are subject to change. We are still in the booking process for Free Shows, Roving Entertainment, Demonstrations, etc. so check the web site often for updates.The Competitive Exhibits Premium Guide is complete and links to the downloadable entry forms and the Online Entry System will be activated by August 1 at 12 Noon.

In the meantime, we hope you will enjoy this e-newsletter and sneak preview of the 2007 SC State Fair...Just To See You Smile!

2007 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The South Carolina State Fair invites companies and organizations to be a part of the most exciting 12 days in South Carolina. As the largest event in the state, with an annual average attendance of 500,000, the fair offers a unique opportunity for companies to market their products to a statewide audience.

A wide variety of partnership opportunities are available, ranging from day sponsor to stage or show sponsor tomobile marketing opportunities. The South Carolina State Fair is also flexible in creating partnerships to meet a sponsor's specific needs and marketing goals.

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Nancy Smith at (803) 799-3387, ext 16 or e-mail nancys@scstatefair.org. Come be a part of our 138 year tradition!

OPENING DAY SPECIAL

$1 Gate Admission for Everyone!!!

Opening Day Special, Wednesday, October 10 (gates open at 3:00 pm) when everyone is admitted to the Fair for $1.00!

Opening Day is also a Pay-One-Price (POP) Ride Day..."Just To See You Smile".

2007 SC STATE FAIR PEPSI® GRANDSTAND ENTERTAINMENT

2007 SC STATE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT EXHIBITS

OCTOBER 10-21, 2007

Get ready for twelve days of exhilarating fun in October!!! Log on to the web site at www.scstatefair.org on July 1 for a preview of the 2007 South Carolina State Fair. Be sure to add your e-mail address in the E-Newsletter Box on the home page to receive news and updates from the SC State Fair. We are still in the booking process for Free Shows, Roving Entertainment, Demonstrations, etc. so check the web site frequently for updates. Here is a sampling of Special Attraction exhibits...Just To See You Smile:

Special Attractions:

              

Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour - Imagine walking through a steamy tropical rainforest, where giant boas and excitable gibbons inhabit the forest canopy. As you turn the corner, you're greeted by the roar of a mighty lion on the African savannah. Around the next bend a blast of cold air and the jaws of a polar bear announce your entrance into frigid Polar regions. This state-of-the-art traveling experience highlights all of the excitement and adventure of the Wild Kingdom. Best of all, it's free! Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour features:

• Three distinct habitats with amazingly lifelike animatronics animals
• Hands-on activities for young adventurers
• A theater showing exciting moments from the all-new Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom on Animal Planet
• A unique tribute to the original Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom

 

     

Wizards Challenge - Explore the magic and wonder of science. Interactive displays with a variety of magical challenges and experiences. An excursion into the wild and amazing world of science through dozens of highly interactive, fun, and visually captivating displays an activities. This attraction was created so that families and children could experience the mysterious and entertaining aspects of science and technology in a casual environment without having to sift through facts and information. Learning occurs through hands-on interaction with the various exhibits, rather than through signage and information. Have fun participating in these activities: manipulate the robotic arm, create man-sized soap bubbles, use radar to measure your pitching speed, take the "sense of smell" challenge, dance in the "wall of light", create high-tech music, explore the "Rube Goldberg" machine, and much more.

     

Mechwars Robot Challenge (Interactive robotic demonstration with technical discussions and educational segments) - MechWars are competitions between custom built, radio controlled robots of up to 375 pounds. The competition is held tournament style with a series of one-on-one matches. During each match, the opposing robots try to inflict damage upon, and ultimately disable, their opponent. At the end of the match, the crowd and an impartial judge decides which robot has inflicted more damage on its opponent.

 

           

Vocal Trash - Back by popular demand...It's like a variety show Live from Central Park. Urban Feel. Broadway appeal. The effect...Grand, the emotions...High, and the energy...Contagious. Texas based Vocal Trash electrifies the young and old with their tight cappella harmonies and industrial "Stomp" style drumming. The Vocal Trash Show is music, dance and comedy theater dotted with light hearted audience participation. Get on the street and feel the beat!

JIGU! THUNDER DRUMS OF CHINA has been electrifying audiences for nearly two decades in many countries throughout the world. Now, the thunder is rolling into Columbia SC - prepare to greet the thunderous roar of Jigu! Thunder Drums of China!

Jigu…In Chinese means to 'beat or touch the drum' and audiences will clamor for more as they thrill to the powerful beat of this all-new attraction, JIGU! THUNDER DRUMS OF CHINA! Hailing from the Shanxi Province in China, this world-renown company of 28 drummers, percussionists and musicians will astound you in an ultra-sensory entertainment experience which is making their American debut this year. The fine art of drumming and percussive performance is indicative of the rich and historic culture of the Shanxi Province, and performances by Jigu! are deeply rooted in these folk origins. An exciting and intricate blending of traditional and modern musical elements, this fascinating and innovative show, conceived by the producers of THE PEKING ACROBATS®, offers intense high-tech lighting and superlative special effects adding to the drama of this spectacular and awe-inspiring cultural event that patrons won't want to miss. Not only are audiences immersed in a wonderland of sight and sound, they are swept away by the incredible power found in the intense drumming, percussive styling and astounding musicianship displayed by these awesome performers!

      

Steve Trash - World Class Eco-Entertainer, Rockin' Eco Hero, Green Entertainer, Illusionist, and Kid Comedian. "Steve Trash is a whacky mixture of Buzz Lightyear and Willie Wonka."Adored by children all over the planet, Steve Trash was recently voted by online readers of Fast Company Magazine as a Fast 50 Favorite - entrepreneurs making the work a better place to live. He has appeared on CBS This Morning, ESPN's Outdoors, and NCBC's America's Talking. He's been featured in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, CBS Marketwatch, Film Threat, Movie Maker Magazine, Magic Magazine, Alabama Business Magazine, Boxing News, and he's even been featured on the cover of The Weekly Reader. Over the years, he's entertained over 10 million kids with live ecological illusions, magic tricks, and family friendly funny stuff appearing in live venues all over the world including Japan, Australia, Canada, and he once even performed his magic trick above the Arctic Circle. Steve believes that muppet Kermit the Frog was actually wrong...It IS easy being green. "You don't have to do everthing...but everyone can do something," says Trash. Over the past 25 years he's built an adoring fan base of kids by sharing tips with kids to become just a little bit greener.

 

     

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES - This new educational and entertaining equestrian acts exhibit is coming to the SC State Fair in the Abernathy Arena from Monday, October 15 through Sunday, October 21. Featured will be miniature stallions, Friesians,  and Lusitanos all in one great show! There will be several shows each day (check the Daily Schedule at www.scstatefair.org) and the horses will be on exhibit to the public in between the shows.

Other scheduled horse events include the Paso Fino exhibition on Thursday, October 11 and the Youth and Open Horse Show on Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13. Thanks to Blanchard Machinery for their involvement and sponsorship of the Horse Shows at the 2007 SC State Fair.

 

                  

Dennis Lee...a South Carolina State Fair favorite for many years...is back! Dennis Lee is one of today's most dynamic entertainers. A skilled showman, Dennis is a master at improvisation. With ease, Dennis wears numberous hats...whether lead showman with his own inimitable music & comedy show; clown and mime; TV or Radio Host; or emcee for an event or entertainment stage; Dennis' magnetic stage presence will capture you. The Dennis Lee Show is entertainment extraordinaire; a high-energy, interactive experience. The Dennis Lee Show delves into several genres of music including hot country and pop music; nostalgia, old time rock'n'roll, patriotic ballads and Elvis Presley favorites. Dennis keeps the show fresh with his topical jokes and off-the-wall humor. Expect the unexpected with Dennis Lee.

    

 

  

Brookgreen Gardens to Beautify Ellison Building (Photos from 2006 SC State Fair) 

The Ellison Building will again be transformed into an oasis of beauty with flora and fauna, water features, and display objects of art transported directly from the National Historic Landmark, Brookgreen Gardens, located between Myrtle Beach and Pawley's Island, SC. The Sand Sculpture (Sandscapes) will be relocated to a new area of the building. Be sure to stop by the Ellison Building on your visits to the SC State Fair.

Miss South Carolina performances...What better way to add a touch of class and South Carolina pride than to have Miss South Carolina perform at the SC State Fair. Enjoy the "meet and greet" as well as autograph sessions on Sunday, October 14 and Saturday, October 20. The Daily Schedule of Events will be updated in September with location and times.

    

SC School Student performances ...talented students from around the state share the stage and the spotlight at the SC State Fair.

And much, much more...Brad Bodary, Carl Brunson, Ron Diamond, Rock-It Robot, Swifty Swine, Commerford Petting Zoo, Robinson Carving and Puppet Show, ETV Characters...the list goes on...stay tuned to www.scstatefair.org for updates.

CARNIVAL INITIATES A "SMOKE-FREE MIDWAY" IN 2007

Be a "cool duck" and don't smoke. According to the following statement in the NAME, June 2007 Issue 1 newsletter, our carnival workers will not be allowed to smoke during fair operating hours on the midway this year:

"This year we have introduced a SMOKE-FREE MIDWAY! To maintain a safe and clean work environment and overall appearance on our midways we prohibit any employees from smoking on the midway during operating hours."

More about our carnival: Did you know that North American Midway Entertainment has more certified ride inspectors on staff than any other traveling midway in North America? NAME also conducts extensive Employee Training programs; the most recent being a series of training videos. On-site training and workshops will continue throughout the season with visits from their Corporate Safety Director, Mike Rinehart and Media/ Customer Service Director, Amber Swedgan. The videos will be shown to every employee prior to working on the midway. The videos will include General Information, Customer Service, Introductory Midway Safety, and Amusement Ride Safety Training.

We applaud our carnival, North American Midway Entertainment, and the initiatives they take to provide a more pleasurable experience for all our guests at the SC State Fair!

ADVANCE ADMISSION & RIDE TICKETS

PAY-ONE-PRICE (POP) RIDE DAYS

Gate Admission
OPENING DAY SPECIAL
Opening Day (October 10 Only) - $1.00 Gate Admission for Everyone Gates open at 3:00 PM - Opening Day Ticket sold only at Gate
Gate Admission October 11-21
Age Category	*Advance Price	During Fair
Adult & Youth (ages 6 - 54)	$5	$7
Senior (ages 55 and over)	$5	$5
Child (ages 2 - 5)	$2	$2
Infant & Toddler (under 2)	Free	Free
*Best Value when purchased prior to Opening Day of Fair (October 10, 2007)

Amusement Ride Voucher
Ride Voucher	Advance Price	During Fair
26 Coupon Ride Voucher* ($26.00 approximate value if purchased separately)	$16.00	$20.00
*Each ride requires 2 - 5 coupons depending on the size of the ride
(May be exchanged at any Carnival Ticket Booth during the Fair for POP wristband if attending on a POP Ride Day - Does not include Gate Admission)
Pay-One-Price (POP) Ride Voucher

POP Ride Voucher	Advance Price	During Fair
	$16.00	$20.00
POP DAYS Wednesday, October 10 Thursday, October 11 Friday, October 12 Monday, October 15 Tuesday, October 16 Wednesday, October 17 Thursday, October 18 (POP Voucher may be exchanged at any Carnival Ticket Booth during the Fair for 26 ride coupons if attending on a day other than POP Ride Day - Ride Voucher does not include Gate Admission)

               
FAIR SAFETY VIDEO

Hey Kids!!! (Parents too), check out the Fair Safety Video, "Safe Fun at the Carnival", compliments of our affiliate Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA). This informative and entertaining video can be found at http://www.scstatefair.org/state-fair/video/ along with coloring pages to download.

2007 SC STATE FAIR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Photos from 2006 SC State Fair showing scholarship banners prominently flying all over the State Fairgrounds.

Fifty (50) deserving scholarship recipients will receive a $2,000 scholarship to attend a South Carolina university or college for the 2007-2008 school year. These fifty (50) scholarship recipients may also apply for an additional $2500 scholarship in 2008 towards their sophomore year; ten (10) students will be selected to receive the additional $2500 scholarship for the 2008-2009 school year. A total of $125,000 was approved by the SC State Fair Board of Directors for academic scholarship recipients in 2007.

The 2007 SC State Fair scholarship program was announced in February via (1) e-mail BLAST to our General E-Newsletter database, (2) severalEDBLAST's to Guidance Counselors and teachers from the SC Department of Education, (3) public service announcements in newspapers, and (4) letters to public and private high schools in SC.

Applications were available for download at http://www.scstatefair.org/throughout-the-year/scholarships/index.php. Applicants were judged on overall performance and involvement, need, communications skills, and an aptitude for completion of application. In recognition of each scholarship recipient, a personalized banner will fly on Academic Avenue during the Fair. The banner tradition began in 2005 with all the scholarship recipient banners since that time flying over the fairgrounds during the Fair.

The SC State Fair Board of Directors reviews the scholarship program annually in late January and determines any changes for the upcoming program. Applications for 2008 high school seniors will be available on the web site in mid-February, 2008.

The South Carolina State Fair is proud to present the winners of the 2007 South Carolina State Fair scholarship program. Their accomplishments and academic excellence have earned them these awards. We salute them and their families.

>>>>>  LINK TO 2007 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS  <<<<<

COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS

OPEN ENTRY REGISTRATION - AUGUST 1 - 31, 2007

You could be a WINNER! Each year over $215,000 are awarded to competitive exhibitors in premiums alone, as well as ribbons, rosettes, banners, etc. The competitions at the SC State Fair are a great way to show your talents in the arts, agriculture, food, livestock, 4-H and FFA. Go to the Competitive Exhibits Index page at http://www.scstatefair.org/competitive-exhibits/ for links to all the departments offered. Look in the "Related Links" box for links to the state-of-the-art Online Entry Tutorial which will guide you through the online entry process. Beginning August 1 at 12 Noon you may register your exhibits using either (1) the Online Entry System or (2) print an official entry registration form for the appropriate department and mail to the address listed on the entry form or (3) deliver entry form in person to the SC State Fair Dowling Administrative Building during regular office hours (Monday-Friday) 7:30am - 4:00pm. Open Entry Registration closes at 12 Noon on August 31, 2007.

TO SPONSOR 2007 SC STATE FAIR ART EXHIBITIONS - TOP AWARDS INCREASED

We are happy to announce the sponsorship of First Citizens Bank with the 2007 SC State Fair Fine Art and Student Art Exhibitions. Thanks to the sponsorship of First Citizens Bank we are now able to offer a larger award for the following TOP Awards:

In light of the increased awards, the art work chosen for the TOP Awards will automatically become the property of First Citizens to be displayed around the state of South Carolina in their bank branches. Exhibitors should note, due to this agreement, all art work registered as "Not For Sale" will be excluded from consideration for the "Best of Show" awards.

Entry registration begins at 12 Noon on August 1 and ends at 12 Noon on August 31, 2007. For first-timers, log on to the Competitive Exhibits Index page at http://www.scstatefair.org/competitive-exhibits/ and follow link to the Fine Art Index page or Student Art Index page for rules and regulations. Beginning August 1, use the Online Entry System to register your art work electronically or download an entry form, complete and mail to the SC State Fair, P. O. Box 393, Columbia SC 29202. Delivery dates for the art work are Sunday, Sept. 23, Monday, Sept. 24, and Tuesday, Sept. 25 and art work is delvered to the Cantey Building via the North Gate on Rosewood Drive.

To go directly to the Fine Art Index page, click here http://www.scstatefair.org/competitive-exhibits/art/fine-art/index.php and/or to go directly to the Student Art Index page, click here http://www.scstatefair.org/competitive-exhibits/art/student-art/index.php

2007 FINE ART PURCHASE PATRON PROGRAM - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Need some new art work for your home or office? Show your support of our South Carolina artists and become a Fine Art Purchase Patron at the 2007 South Carolina State Fair. Make a commitment by August 31, 2007 to purchase art from the 2007 SC State Fair Fine Art Exhibition and you will be scheduled for a private viewing before the Fair to select the art work you wish to purchase. Your commitment includes an invitation to the Premier Fine Art Reception. Proceeds go directly to the artists; there is no commission to the SC State Fair. Click on this link for additional information and application form:

http://www.scstatefair.org/competitive-exhibits/art/fine-art/section0104.php

FINE ART GAZEBO GALLERY OFFERS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO SC ARTISTS

Each day during the fair, S.C. artists will offer their art work (prints only, no original art work) for sale to the public in the Gazebo Gallery which is located in the Cantey Building. For additional information or if you are interested in participating in the Gazebo Gallery, please contact David Phillips at (803) 796-3352.

SC FARM BUREAU AND SC HORSEMEN'S COUNCIL TO SPONSOR EQUINE SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2007

We are pleased to announce that two scholarships are being offered to exhibitors of the Youth/Open Horse Show in 2007. The SC Farm Bureau Federation will provide a $1,000 scholarship to the top scoring individual and the S. C. Horsemen's Council will provide a $500 scholarship to the second highest scoring individual. Applicants must submit a resume and be an exhibitor at the SC State Fair Youth/Open Horse Show the year of application. Applicants will also undergo knowledge assessment, an interview, and skills assessment on the day of the contest. For more information, log on to the SC State Fair web site at http://www.scstatefair.org/competitive-exhibits/youth-and-open-horse-department/index,php

Recipe competitions have been a highlight of Fairs since the early 1800's. This year state and county fairs will host special recipe contests giving people across the country a shot at blue ribbon glory for the recipes, not to mention cash prizes, gifts, and much more! For people who love to bake, cook and compete there is a web site made just for you at www.StateFairRecipes.com. This web site is dedicated to one of America's longest-running traditions - State Fair Recipe Contests! Foodies, home cooks, scratch bakers and "weekend warriors of the kitchen" all can find items to enjoy on these pages. You will find State Fair history and trivia, behind the scenes profiles, and of course tips on entering special recipe contests and dozens of local and national winning recipes.

SPECIAL BAKING CONTESTS

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: START YOUR OVENS!!!

In addition to five contests from last year, w e are excited to welcome a new Special Baking Contest at the 2007 SC State Fair: "Make It With Malt-O-Meal® Recipe Contest". Click on this link for the Special Baking Contest Index page of the Online Premium Guide. Be sure to follow the rules and regulations of the Home and Craft Department as well as the specific rules and regulations for each Special Baking Contest.

The 2007 Special Baking Contests for the South Carolina State Fair are:

• NEW THIS YEAR...Make It With Malt-O-Meal® Recipe Contest (judged pre-Fair)

• Nutritious Cookie Contest, sponsored by the SC Dietetic Association (judged pre-Fair)

SC STATE FAIR EMPLOYEE RECEIVES CFE STATUS  

Judy B. Heise, CFE, SC State Fair Director of Computer Operations, was presented the Certified Fair Executive (CFE) award on April 28, 2007 by the International Association of Fairs & Expos during the IAFE Spring Managers Conference in Boston, MA. Certification requires the recipient fulfill prescribed standards for the profession and a high level of achievement. The award was presented during the annual CFE Luncheon by IAFE Chair, Jerry Hammer, CFE, of the Minnesota State Fair. Other active SC State Fair Staff having previously received this prestigious award are General Manager, Gary L. Goodman, CFE (1991) and Director of Exhibits and Sponsorship, Nancy L. Smith, CFE (2006).

Judy began work at the SC State Fair in 1983 in the Entry Department. She was selected by her peers as 1994 Employee of the Year, worked as Entry Department Superintendent 1997-2000, and began full-time employment in 2001 as Director of Computer Operations.

Judy is active in the IAFE and a member of the Web Site & Technology Committee, having served as Vice Chair in 2004 and Chair in 2005. She has contributed numerous articles to the IAFE Fairs & Expos magazine, served as a Round Table Topic leader, a panelist/speaker at the 2003 IAFE Spring Seminar Workshop in Tampa Fl and the 2003 IAFE Convention Workshop in Las Vegas NV, and has attended several IAFE Spring Management Conferences, Zone 2 meetings, and IAFE annual meetings.

During her tenure the SC State Fair has been a Fair industry pioneer in replacing old methods of communication with new technology. In 2002, the SC State Fair Competitive Exhibit Premium Guide was published exclusively on the SC State Fair web site and attained the SC State Fair recognition of being the first fair/expo in the world to discontinue publishing a hard copy competitive exhibit premium guide. Many fairs/expos have followed the lead of the SC State Fair and no longer print a hard copy premium guide. The SC State Fair Online Premium Guide has won the IAFE Award of Excellence in 2004, 2005 and 2006 among fairs with attendance of 500,000 - 1,000,000 visitors annually. In 2004, a custom Online Entry System was developed which allows Competitive Exhibitors to register their exhibits electronically. The Online Entry Tutorial was developed and introduced for the 2006 SC State Fair Competitive Exhibitors and online entries outnumbered the hard copy entry forms almost 2 to 1.

The SC State Fairgrounds is an ideal setting for many events throught the year, with exception of September and October when we are busy setting up and hosting the annual SC State Fair. Log on to http://www.scstatefair.org/calendar/ for the Year-Round Calendar of Events and Event Promoter contact information.

Facility Rental details may be found at http://www.scstatefair.org/throughout-the-year/facility-rentals/index.php. To schedule an event at the fairgrounds, e-mail Tim Wilson or telephone 803.799.3387 ext. 11.

Online applications for RV/Camper parking reservations for events held throughout the year are available at http://www.scstatefair.org/throughout-the-year/rv_information.php. Or click on the Throughout the Year menu tab, and follow the drop-down menu.

For more information e-mail Steve Felsberg or telephone 803.799.3387 ext. 22.

As of June 22, the only available football parking spaces are in the Grandstand and Midway parking lots. Applications for 2007 USC Football reserved parking spaces are available at http://www.scstatefair.org/throughout-the-year/usc-reserved-parking.php. 

E-mail Steve Felsberg or telephone 803.799.3387 ext. 22 for more information. GO GAMECOCKS!!!

The SC State Fair e-Newsletter is published four times a year; Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. To receive a BLAST reminding you of this quarterly publication, sign up on our home page at www.scstatefair.org by adding your e-mail address in the newsletter box. You will be directed to create a User Profile and your name will be added to the databases of your interest, i.e. General Newsletter, Commercial Exhibitor, Football Parking, Scholarships, one of our Competitive Exhibit departments, etc..

The next e-newsletter will be published in September. Check it out...we'll have more exciting updates on the 138th South Carolina State Fair.