COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) -The South Carolina State Fair returns Wednesday at noon, celebrating its 156th year. This year’s theme is “Harvesting Happiness.”
Preparations were in full swing Tuesday at the Columbia fairgrounds, where crews continued setting up rides and vendor booths. Safety inspections were also underway to ensure all attractions are ready for visitors.
Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair, said opening day is one of her favorite moments.
“I really love seeing the opening day of the fair when folks are waiting at the gates to come in,” Smith said. “It’s a real sense of satisfaction that you’re bringing something to South Carolina; they only get 12 days a year.”
This year’s fair features 50 rides, each undergoing a multi-layered safety inspection process. Lynda Franc, corporate marketing director for North America, said inspections are conducted daily.
“We have our daily inspections with our ride operators,” Franc said. “We also have ride supervisors, a third-party safety inspector, an employed safety inspector on staff, and of course, the state.”
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department will be on-site assisting fair security. One common concern is children getting separated from their parents. Deputies will be dressed in all black with RCSD vests if you need help.
“If you become separated from your child, find the nearest deputy,” said Cpl. John Ferrell with the RCSD Emergency Management Unit. “We’ll put it out over the radio and take the child to our lost child section to reunite them with their parents.”
With safety measures in place, organizers say they’re ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to this year’s fair.
“This theme fits not only with our agricultural roots but with what the fair means to a lot of people,” Smith said. “It’s tradition, it’s family, it’s fun, it’s education, and it’s agriculture.”
Visitors should note that a clear bag policy is in effect this year, with exceptions made for diaper bags and medical equipment.
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