Highlights at the fair today – and what’s coming up tomorrow. Find a complete schedule at thestate.com/statefair.

The 2012 State Fair runs through Sunday.

General information

Admission: $10 ages 6-54, $7 ages 55 and older, $2 ages 2-5, free for those younger than 2. After 5 p.m., those younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at least 21 years old. No admission after 10 p.m. daily.

Parking: Free in the fairgrounds parking lot

Daily gate promotion: Free admission for active and retired military and their dependents (with proper identification) and all Girls Scouts wearing the official Girl Scout tunic, sash or vest and membership pin.

Today

Hours: Gates open at 10 a.m., buildings 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Midway 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Special gate promotion: Exceptional citizens day. People who are disabled will be admitted free, along with one additional person if needed to assist that fairgoer.

Lunch at the fair: Between noon-2 p.m., pay $5 at the gate and get a ticket to be exchanged for $5 back when you exit the fair by 2 p.m.

Rides: Pay-one-price ride day

Grandstand entertainment: Boyz II Men, 7 p.m.; $15

Friday

Hours: Gates open at 10 a.m., buildings 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Midway hours 11 a.m.-midnight

Lunch at the fair: Between noon-2 p.m., pay $5 at the gate and get a ticket to be exchanged for $5 back when you exit the fair by 2 p.m.

Rides: Pay-one-price ride day

Grandstand entertainment: Newsboys with Building 429, 7 p.m.; $20

Grandstand tickets

Tickets to Grandstand shows are available at the Grandstand ticket booth from 5:30-7 p.m. each show day except Sunday, when they will be on sale from 4:30-6 p.m. Grandstand tickets also can be purchased online at scstatefair.org, and tickets purchased online include fair admission.

A treat for the eyes

South Carolina is proud of its talented artists and one need only visit the Cantey Building to find out why. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Fine Arts Department, and you may even want to purchase some of the artwork.

Compiled by Bertram Rantin