South Carolina State Fair

South Carolina, October 14-25, 2009, http://www.scstatefair.org/

Held annually since 1869, each October, people of all ages come to Columbia to participate in the SC State Fair, one of the TOP 50 Fairs in the US. Exhibits, livestock competitions and entertainment draw both rural and urban crowds. The State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of SC, an eleemosynary institution, is responsible for the establishment of the South Carolina State Fair and has full responsibility for the operation of the fair; much of the proceeds are provided to charitable organizations throughout the state. Although the fair is still considered the "State Fair", it is not state-owned and receives no appropriation from the State of South Carolina.

Top hotel picks near the South Carolina State Fair The range of hotels available for the State Fair of South Carolina is nearly as wide-ranging as the event itself. From trendy hotels to luxury resorts to inexpensive lodging, you'll find it on statefairhotels.com The search menu makes it easy to access the features most important to you, including budget, amenities, or proximity to the event. Find hotels within a few miles of the State Fair, hotels near public transportation, or hotels in a particular area of Columbia. It's totally up to you. Click below to start your search!

Fair Hours: Oct. 14, 3-10 p.m., Oct. 15-23, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Oct. 24, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Oct. 25, Noon-9 p.m.
Admission: Discount Prices (available through 10/13/09): Regular (ages 6-54), $5, Senior (55+), $5, Child (ages 2-5), $2, Child (under 2), FREE; During Fair Prices: Regular (ages 6-54), $8, Senior (55+), $5, Child (ages 2-5), $2, Child (under 2), FREE.
Parking: Prices FREE in official State Fair lots on a first-come-first-served basis.

Entertainment:

Free: Shag-A-Fair (10/25).
Vocal Trash (10/14-19).
Sound Express (10/15-16).
USC Basketball "Hoopla" (10/14).
NASCAR Night at the Fair (10/21).
Dennis Lee Show (10/18-25).
Mounted Patrol Exhibition (10/21-22).
Donkey & Mule Show (10/23-24).

Ticketed: TobyMac, Oct 16, 7:30 p.m., $15.
David Cook, Oct 17, 7:30 p.m., $25.
The Charlie Daniels Band, Oct 18, 4:00 p.m., All tickets $1, Best Bargain of The Fair!.
Nat & Alex Wolff, Oct 19, 6:00 p.m., $15.
Michael W. Smith & Steven Curtis Chapman, Oct 21, 6:30 p.m., $20.
Montgomery Gentry, Oct 23, 7:30 p.m., $20.
Eric Benet & Mary Liz, Oct 24, 7:30 p.m., $15.

Things You Don't Want to Miss:

Boogie Bodies, Congaree National Park Exhibit "Colors of the Forest," Sand Sculpture, Sea Lion Splash, Terrence B. and Hypno Dog, The Mitchell Showboat Marrionettes, Commerford Petting Zoo, Agri-Cadabara Magic Shows, The Nerveless Nocks & Vortex of Doom, High Rollers, Sean Emery, Mad Science "Newton's Revenge," Carl Brunson "The One-Man Band," Roadside Market, Carnival Rides, Washboard Willy, Millie the Monkey, and GREAT, GREAT food with more than 100 selections.

Physical Location:

South Carolina State Fair, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia SC 29201.