Held near Williams Brice Stadium in the capital city from Oct. 12 to Oct. 23, the South Carolina State Fair provided an array of different activities for all sorts of audiences.
Once inside the fair, patrons were greeted by live music and a colorful display of rides, surrounded by food vendors. Funnel cakes, corn dogs, fresh made-to-order lemonade and other traditional carnival treats could be purchased throughout the fairgrounds.
The fair rides were, of course, the main attraction. South Carolina’s state fair offered a variety of rides. Some of the most popular included the Ferris wheel and the Sky Ride, which gave riders beautiful views of the entire fairgrounds.
Also included in the fair were many carnival games, which offer patrons an opportunity to win fun, usually stuffed animal, prizes. 
In the indoor section of the fair, fine art, paintings and local photography were displayed, which showcase pride for South Carolina places and traditions. Photographs of landmarks, such as Columbia’s Gervais Street bridge and paintings of the Palmetto State’s beautiful beaches, lined walls amidst works of the state’s more famous exports, like cotton and seafood. Artists also lended their talents to political statements by occasionally portraying their state’s leaders in artwork.
Along with various sculpture and floral exhibits was perhaps the most famous attraction: the annual sand sculpture. This year’s theme was fairy tales and depicted “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in life-size form.
Rounding out the selection of activities was the livestock section of the fair. Local farms displayed their animals, some of which participated in races. The farms’ free petting zoo and the pig races are always popular events.
Although the State Fair has now concluded, be sure to catch it next year. It typically runs for 12 days in mid-October.