A trip to the SC State Fair is worth your time. Here are tips for first-time visitors
Turns out I have no talent for refueling Air Force jets at 25,000 feet, but the good news is at least now I know it.
That was one of many lessons learned during my very first trip to the South Carolina State Fair, which runs through Oct. 24 in Columbia.
Truth is I could have spent all day in the U.S. Air Force virtual reality hangar, where I learned not only can I not refuel jets, but I am not terribly gifted at changing a tire or repairing an engine.
Despite those inadequacies, I had a lot of fun trying (and failing) and I left with my very own souvenir U.S. Space Force pen.
Souvenirs, as those closest to me know, are my weakness and the State Fair saw me coming.
I left with a bag of goodies including my very own reasonably-priced State Fair T-shirt, which I will now be wearing everywhere I go.
Other loot included my “I (Heart) Honey” stickers (found next to the very sweet honeybee booth), a brilliant red candy apple, one and a half cookies (I ate the other half before I left), and a sticky note pad.
My prized possessions?
Two red poppies from the Veterans of Foreign Wars booth, which remind me of my mum, who always bought a poppy when she saw them for sale.
But enough about the souvenirs. You want to hear about the thrill rides.
Here’s a tip: arrive early and be the first to board the more than 150-foot tall Observation Wheel.
I was so early, in fact, that I was the only passenger and had the wheel all to myself. Not too shabby.
The wheel offers a birds’ eye view (though some birds may dispute that) of the fairgrounds and beyond including Williams-Brice Stadium for all you Gamecocks fans and the Columbia skyline.
When the ride stopped briefly, I spent a few seconds trying to figure out how I would climb down if I had to, (yes, a bit dramatic), but it kept turning and I was able to avoid rappelling down the wheel.
From there, it was all about the food,
Yes, I had the Fiske Fries, recommended by a friend, and they were quite delicious followed by some freshly squeezed, vigorously hand-shaken lemonade and a gyro dripping with tzatziki sauce.
A trip to the Cookie Kitchen is definitely worth the time.
The line set up is reminiscent of those horribly long queues designed to get you through airport security. The happy difference is that at the end you’re greeted by several lovely women eager to hand you fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies.
By the way, I did not have the courage to try a hamburger served on a doughnut, also known as a doughnut burger, but I really wanted to … next time.
Oh, and don’t forget the animals.
While the animatronic Barnyard Cackle Review was enough to keep me enthralled for ages, seeing so many live animals - pigs, cows, chickens, and more - was also a treat for a city dweller like me.
I swear the chickens were carrying on a lengthy conversation about politics, but I digress.
As I crisscrossed the fairgrounds, it just felt good to be among other people just ready to smile and laugh after all we’ve endured since early 2020.
They lined up for teriyaki chicken and pizza on a stick with equal anticipation,and watched in equal amazement as the men and women on stilts casually strolled by without stumbling.
The city’s mask ordinance is still in effect and posted signs ask patrons to take heed. Some wore masks, some didn’t.
If you’ve never been or go every year, a trip to the South Carolina State Fair this year is worth your time.
Also, don’t forget to spin the prize wheel at the Richland County Recreation Commission booth.
Yes, I am now the proud owner of a bottle of commission-branded hand sanitizer.
Don’t be jealous.
This story was originally published October 14, 2021 at 4:55 PM.
