Your Fair Your Army
Your Fair Your Army is an opportunity for the citizens of the great State of South Carolina to enjoy “your fair” as well as meet and interact with “your army.” The United States Army, South Carolina Army National Guard and the United States Army Cadet Command will provide a showcase of equipment and soldiers of different military occupational specialties. This is an opportunity to interact with soldiers and ask questions about what they do and the equipment they use.
Open daily in the Ruff Building and next to the Ellison Building, near the South Gate.
CAST IN BRONZE
Near the South Gate beside the Ellison Building
Cast in Bronze is a unique and spectacular musical show, featuring the largest of all instruments in the percussion family. World class musician, Charlie St. Cyr-Paul performs this epic entertainment through the power of the carillon.
SOUTH CAROLINA ETV & PUBLIC RADIO SHOWCASE
Ellison Building
Experience a daily educational and engaging showcase by South Carolina ETV and Public Radio. Participate in an interactive SC State Fair scavenger hunt or test your South Carolina knowledge with lively quiz hours. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse as the SCETV team shares how some of your favorite shows get made. Join story time sessions that connect to South Carolina’s literacy heritage and meet the smartest cat in South Carolina– Smart Cat. Plus, engage with some of your favorite personalities with special appearances by Walter Edger, Brittany Brackett, Stacy Pearsall and her service dog Charlie, Vince Kolb Lugo, Amanda McNulty, Gavin Jackson, Rudy Mancke, Thelisha Eaddy and Holly Jackson. From podcasts and camera operations, to exploring SCETV’s educational resources, SCETV offers a diverse array of experiences that celebrate the heart of South Carolina.
MIKE P. GIBSON, GIBSON WORKS
ONE DAY ONLY – THURSDAY, OCT. 19, Ellison Building
Discover the artistry of Mike Gibson, a renowned topiary artist celebrated for his exceptional creations across the country. With decades of experience and a former contestant on HGTV’s topiary competition show Clipped, he has perfected his craft. Witness ordinary shrubs being transformed into captivating masterpieces. Mike’s therapeutic approach to topiary demonstrates how this craft can soothe the soul and ignite creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the world’s premier topiary artists. Gibsontopiary.com
FOLKFABULOUS
Native Voices Day, Sat., Oct. 14
In partnership with the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians, the University of South Carolina’s McKissick Museum presents Native Voices Day. Join us for an intertribal panel discussion, drum circles, demonstrations, performances, and more!
Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Day, Tues., Oct. 17
Featuring Bluegrass and Old-Time music performers from across the state, the University of South Carolina’s McKissick Museum presents musical acts including Flatland Express, featuring Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award Winner, Ashley Carder, and more!
Gullah Geechee Day, Sat., Oct. 21
Honoring the Gullah Geechee culture and traditional crafts of South Carolina, join us for storytelling, musical performances, demonstrations, and more. Make your own Palmetto Rose with sweetgrass basket maker, Trudy Hicks!
ERNEST LEE (“THE CHICKEN MAN”)
Appearing daily in the smallstock building.
Street artist and Columbia legend Ernest Lee will be selling his popular chicken paintings as well as other pieces at this year’s S.C. State Fair. While Lee is widely known for his chicken paintings, his works also include ocean scenes, nature scenes, fish, pets, palmetto trees, portraits – and just whatever comes out of his head.
SANDSCAPES
Featured daily in the Goodman Building.
Seventy-five tons of sand! For years, the S.C. State Fair’s talented sand artists have transformed huge piles of sand into creative wonders right before the eyes of patrons. The imagery continues this year as a work-in-progress comes to life over several days. Guests are sure to be amazed as they return to see the progress and final product.
PHILIP SIMMONS BLACKSMITH GUILD
Oct. 20-22 on Academic Avenue.
The Philip Simmons Blacksmith Guild was formed exclusively for educational purposes to encourage and facilitate the training of blacksmiths. The group disseminates information about sources of material and equipment, exposes the art of blacksmithing and serves as a resource for all who are interested in the craft. Guild members participate in several events throughout the year such as Ashley on the River at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston and the Renaissance Fair in Myrtle Beach.
AMERICAN TRIBUTE
The S.C. State Fair will take a moment to pay tribute to America and honor those who have and are serving the country. Every day at noon, the American flag will be raised on the main flagpole outside the Cantey Building near the South Gate and the National Anthem will be played across the PA system. Occasionally, there will be a special guest that will sing or raise the flag.
CAROLINA LIGHTS - A NEW DECEMBER TRADITION
The South Carolina State Fair will usher in the holiday season with its fifth annual downtown drive-through holiday lights show, Carolina Lights, Dec. 8-24, closed Mondays.
The drive-through light experience will feature more than 100 individual LED light displays along an expanded route in the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park at the S.C. State Fairgrounds. The light display will feature favorites from last year along with several new displays.
Discount car Carolina Lights passes available Sept 12 – Oct. 22 at a 50% off discount.
