Whether you know John Windhorn by name or not, if you’ve ever been to the South Carolina State Fair, you’ve been touched by his work and legacy.
When Windhorn first joined the fair in 1968, the First Aid Department – where he would later serve as superintendent – was just a small room with a dirt floor. Today, it’s a thriving and essential part of the event, providing comfort and care to countless guests each year.
Windhorn grew up in Blythewood, South Carolina. After graduating from high school, he served as a volunteer firefighter in Lexington County and later became an EMT with the county’s emergency medical system. Each October, he supports the South Carolina State Fair’s paramedics and EMS operations during the annual fair – a commitment he has kept for 57 fairs (and counting).
Robbie Hall, who has worked alongside John for many years, credits him with building the foundation of a strong, caring team.
“The biggest impact John has made is the staff he brought on board,” said Hall. “He was very particular about who he hired because he wanted to make sure the care given was the right care – care that reflected the fair itself.”
Colleagues describe Windhorn as both professional and deeply personal in his service.
“If he ever meets you, he’s going to remember you,” Hall added. “He never forgets a face and has the kind of personality that makes everyone feel welcome.”
Another coworker, Clint Attaway, praised Windhorn’s dedication: “John is always ready to help in any way he can. Even if it isn’t related to First Aid, when he’s needed, he’s there.”
For Windhorn, leading the department was never just about medical training — it was about people. He often said his focus was making sure every patient, staff member, or carnival worker felt like family.
This sense of family is what stands out most to fair General Manager Nancy Smith.
“The First Aid Department is like John’s family,” she said. “I can remember celebrations there for staff members — and even one for John himself, with a cake decorated with a John Deere tractor on top! Through good times and in times of loss, John and his team were always there for each other. That is what our fair is all about.”
Windhorn’s favorite memories echo that same spirit of care.
“Any time I was able to reunite a lost child with a parent — those are the moments I treasure most,” he shared.
Even today, he still looks forward to the annual tradition. “Every year feels like a big two-week family reunion,” Windhorn said. “I like to get there early, check in on everyone, and make sure everything is set up. It’s truly a family you see once a year.”
Outside the fair, Windhorn remains deeply connected to agriculture—one of the fair’s core missions. Currently residing in Lexington, S.C., he farms 150 acres of hay and raises chickens, ducks, and peacocks. He believes this connection is vital for the community. “It’s so important to have agriculture at the fair because a lot of visitors don’t even know where their food comes from!” Windhorn said. “They’ll see the cows being milked and still think milk just comes from the store.” When it comes to his own animals, he added with a smile, “I look after anything with feathers.”
With the 2025 fair theme of Harvesting Happiness, it’s only fitting to honor someone whose life’s work has been rooted in care, community, and agriculture. On Friday, October 17, 2025, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating “John Windhorn Day at the South Carolina State Fair.” There is no one more deserving of recognition than John Windhorn, who continues to be a shining example of what the South Carolina State Fair stands for.
