The SC State Fair is still hiring. Here are the jobs available and how to apply

The South Carolina State Fair is about three weeks away and organizers are still hiring for temporary positions.

When they started advertising the jobs in August, they said they would be hiring about 500 people, from circus ushers to parking and gate staff.

Now they’re down to two categories: bilingual Spanish/English guest services personnel and home and crafts attendant to work before the fair begins on Oct. 8 and two days after the fair ends on Oct. 19 at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia.

“We’re proud that many of our workers return year after year,” Nancy Smith, general manager of the S.C. State Fair, said in a news release. “It’s a fun, welcoming environment where employees become part of something bigger — supporting a nonprofit that gives back across the state.”

The nonprofit organization gives away about $500,000 in scholarships a year and nearly $6 million since 1997.

Working for the fair comes with some perks, including VIP parking, employee breakfast, four admission passes and fair gear.

The bilingual staff member job pays $9.50 per hour. It entails providing information about attractions, events, locations, and amenities in both English and Spanish, answer questions and help with first aid and law enforcement needs.

Also, this job involves managing the lost and found process and utilizing the paging system to locate guests, including working with sheriff’s deputies to locate lost children, or make general announcements in Spanish and English. Inspecting restrooms keeping common areas clean is also part of this work.

The work schedule varies by position and day of the week.

The home and crafts attendant pays $7.50 an hour and involves receiving, displaying, and managing entries and to help in the judging process.

The job also involves supporting the cookie kitchen as needed.

“Knowledge of crafts, sewing, or baking is a plus but not required,” the job post says.

Work schedules vary.

Online applications are available at scstatefair.org/employment.

The theme for 2025 is Harvesting Happiness.

The fair website says that’s more than a slogan.

“It reflects the joy and pride our team brings to the fairgrounds each day,” Kathy Allen, director of human resources and marketing, said on the website. “We’re looking for people who want to share that spirit with our guests.”