Giving Back

The South Carolina State Fair is best known for bringing 11 days of exhibits, competitions, food, midway rides and entertainment to Columbia each fall. But as a self-supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the fair’s reach and impact extend far beyond the annual event.

Scholarships

Supporting statewide education is at the heart of the South Carolina State Fair’s mission. In 1997, the fair launched its Ride of Your Life Scholarship program and annually awards $500,000 in scholarships to South Carolina high school seniors planning to continue their education in the state.

The scholarships are currently $10,000 each and are awarded in increments of $2,500 annually. The South Carolina State Fair has given nearly $6.5 million in scholarships since the program’s inception.

Since 2021, in addition to what the South Carolina State Fair awards, Circle K stores, along with EMC Tickets, have contributed additional scholarship funds, making even more scholarships possible. 

Find more information on the Ride of Your Life Scholarship here.

Economic impact

Since its founding, the South Carolina State Fair has been an important contributor to the local economy, welcoming nearly 400,000 people from across the state and the Southeast region annually. The S.C. State Fair is an engine for more than $16.6 million in wages and a total economic impact of more than $45.5 million.

Special gate promotions

The South Carolina State Fair proudly supports the community by offering a variety of free and discounted admission opportunities during the annual fair. This includes free entry for all children five and under every day.

We have three special days honoring our heroes: Military Appreciation Days for active and retired military personnel and their dependents, Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Walk/Race participants, and Exceptional Citizens Day for individuals with disabilities and a companion. We also offer free entry for those seeking a calmer environment during Sensory-Friendly Morning.

Science enthusiasts (Physics Day), future farmers (Future Farmers of America Day), and 4-H members all have their designated free days, alongside the popular free Lunch Bunch admission special from noon to 2 p.m. each weekday of the fair.

 Community Impact

The South Carolina State Fair impacts the community through its scholarship program, partnerships with nonprofit and government organizations, and its six exhibit halls and 104 acres that are available for football parking and major event rentals throughout the year. 

The South Carolina State Fair donated $200,000 to support recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in October 2024. The funds were distributed among four disaster relief organizations, including The Salvation Army and Samaritan’s Purse, to assist rebuilding in South Carolina’s hardest-hit areas. These efforts reflect the fair’s ongoing dedication to helping neighbors rebuild and restore their communities in times of crisis.

Memories and Traditions

The South Carolina State Fair is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting South Carolina’s roots, supporting statewide education and bringing people together through long-standing fair traditions. The fair offers a one-of-a-kind experience for 11 days in October with exhibits, competitions, food, rides, entertainment, a circus, agriculture, animals and much more.

For more than 150 years, the S.C. State Fair has been creating memories and traditions that last a lifetime. Read stories that showcase the passion.

From Field to Fair

Since 1869, the mission of the South Carolina State Fair has been to promote the vital importance of agriculture in shaping South Carolina’s history and identity.  Through captivating exhibits and spirited competitions, the S.C. State Fair showcases the very best that local artisans and farmers have to offer.  By embracing agriculture in all its forms, the fair hopes to inspire a new generation to appreciate the timeless traditions that have shaped our state’s culture.  The S.C. State Fair serves as an educational platform, fostering an understanding of the significance of agriculture in our lives and the importance of sustainable practices for our future