SC State Fair draws more than 340,000 people, following down year because of COVID-19

The South Carolina State Fair drew 348,701 visitors in 2021, according to a news release.

The attendance numbers are in line with the lower-than-usual opening day attendance, which drew only 22,300 visitors, the lowest amount since 2018, The State reported previously. Given the ongoing pandemic, fair officials celebrated the turnout.

“We could not be more pleased with this year’s fair after what has been a challenging year for everyone,” S.C. State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith said in the news release.

While the numbers were up, they still lagged behind pre-COVID-19 crowds, which typically exceeded 400,000 visitors. In 2019, more than 416,000 attended the fair, and in 2018 — despite a hurricane cutting the fair a day short — attendance exceeded 444,000.

In 2020, the S.C. State Fair was held as a drive-in only event with no rides because of the COVID-19 pandemic, The State reported previously.

Next year’s fair will be held from Oct. 12-23, according to the news release.

This story was originally published October 25, 2021 at 10:01 AM.