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.
The FARM 1780: Harvesting Blue Ribbons for Generations
The FARM 1780 has been harvesting happiness for generations — long before it became the backdrop for the South Carolina State
Celebrating John Windhorn’s Legacy at the South Carolina State Fair
Whether you know John Windhorn by name or not, if you’ve ever been to the South Carolina State Fair, you’ve been
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