Inside the South Carolina State Fair
Discover the heart of the South Carolina State Fair on our blog—where stories, cherished traditions, and behind-the-scenes moments come to life. We celebrate the people whose passion makes the fair extraordinary, while also highlighting our year-round impact as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Best known for bringing exhibits, competitions, food, rides, and entertainment to the Midlands each October, we also make a lasting impact year-round. Each year, we award more than $500,000 in scholarships and open our 104-acre grounds beside Williams-Brice Stadium for major events, community gatherings, and football parking.
Join us as we share the spirit of the fair, one story at a time.
Share your story, or let us know what you’d like to learn more about by emailing marketing@scstatefair.org.
A Positive Partnership with S.C. Shavings
Kristine Staples has held many job titles, but calls her current one her favorite. Working in marketing and public relations across
Ribbons and Resilience: How Crafting Helped One Cancer Survivor Through Recovery
Written by: Mercedes Dubberly, Marketing Intern When Sarah Camele was a little girl, she had a dollhouse so big that she
Harvesting Happiness with SCSF Fair General Manager Nancy Smith
Written by: Mercedes Dubberly, Marketing Intern Without farms, there would be no food. Nancy Smith, general manager of the S.C. State
Photography 101 at the SCSF
Written by: Mercedes Dubberly, Marketing Intern Reneé Ittner-McManus’ first time at the South Carolina State Fair was with her two young
Finding Purpose in the Field: An SCSF Vendor’s Homesteading Journey
Written By: Mercedes Dubberly, Marketing Intern It started with the goats. Then there were pigs, chickens, and, of course, a nearly
Behind the Scenes with Entertainment Director Mark Sparks
Written By: Emmitt Murray In this behind-the-scenes look, Mark shares how he finds talent, what makes a performance stand out, and
Ride of Your Life Scholarship Winner Has The Right Ingredients For Success
Written By: Emmitt Murray & Bertram Rantin Madigan Berry credits a wide range of “ingredients” for the person she is today.
Did You Know? The State Fair is an Art Lover’s Paradise
Written By: Emmitt Murray The South Carolina State Fair offers more than just thrilling rides and delicious food; it’s also a
A Tradition of Resilience: Summer and Michael Still’s Fair Journey
Written By: Emmitt Murray It’s a tradition that’s been in their lives for as long as they can remember for Columbia
South Carolina State Fair’s Ride of Your Life Scholarship Extends Reach
Written By: Emmitt Murray. The South Carolina State Fair’s Ride of Your Life Scholarship extends reach with more recipients for coming
46 Reasons to Celebrate South Carolina
Written By: Abby Milkes and Emmitt Murray. The South Carolina 2024 State Fair theme will highlight every county in South Carolina.
Proud Partners and Proud People
Written By: Corali Kimura, Marketing Intern The Ride of Your Life Scholarship is more than just money. It’s an opportunity for