The community support was evident at this year's South Carolina State Fair, Columbia.
When South Carolina’s capital, Columbia, experienced an epic flood right before its state fair was scheduled to kick off, there was a big outcry from residents about whether the event could even take place.
“We were only 10 days out from the start of the fair, but we were determined to make it happen no matter what,” said Gary Goodman, the fair’s general manager and CFE.
What sealed the deal was the onslaught of companies calling to purchase large amounts of tickets for employees two to three days out from the start of the fair in an effort to bring some normalcy back to the community and its citizens’ lives.
Although it was inevitable that total attendance was down compared with 2014 — 429,947 this year versus 473,359 last year — the community support was evident amid the devastation.
Held Oct. 14-25, the theme of this year’s fair was “Be a Part of It” in reference to the grounds’ long-term renovations. This included construction of a 36,000-square-foot exhibition hall for the east side of the fairgrounds adjacent to the existing Cantey Building, a $1.5-million sidewalk extending more than 2,000 feet along Bluff Road and Rosewood Drive, as well as construction of two ticket booths at the Rosewood entrance which were completed last summer.
The $8 million in renovations are part of the fair’s long-range plan launched in 2009 with the opening of Carolina Park. The $5-million upgrade to the fairgrounds parking lot included 4,105 spaces on nearly 40 acres, as well as improved lighting, more green space and an underground drainage system.
“We have a 20-acre RV lot for carnival workers and concessionaires that flooded, but the fairgrounds proper had no damage,” said Goodman. “We were one of the lucky ones.”
The flood did impact some aspects of the fair in a positive way. Although the first day admittance fee is traditionally $1, it was decided that a flood relief promotion would also be held to raise money.
The fair designated Oct. 22 as #SCStrong Day, with $1-admission for all attendees to recognize first responders, community organizations and various volunteers for stepping up to assist those in need during the floods.
“This was the largest Thursday attendance we’ve had in the history of the fair, with 54,756 attendees,” said Goodman.
Additionally, the fair donated approximately $200,000 to the Salvation Army and a local food bank for flood relief efforts. The money came from the net proceeds of this year’s newly-instituted $5-parking fees which were established to offset the renovation and infrastructure improvement costs.
As in years past, the fair provided free admission on the last two Sundays for those who participated in the Columbia Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and wore their benefit T-shirts to the fair.
In terms of revenue, admissions totaled $1.3 million, down 24 percent from the year prior, and food sales were down about 4 percent from 2014, totaling $4.3 million. North American Midway Entertainment reported that carnival proceeds decreased about 5 percent compared to last year, totaling $3.5 million.
This year’s fair featured five concerts, including Canadian singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes, who sold out the 5,000-seat grandstand; legendary performer Gladys Knight; Thomas Rhett; Cole Swindell; Newsboys; Christian rock’s Israel and New Breed, which was standing room only; and The Volunteers. Ticket prices were included in fair admission and ranged from $15 to $25.
Newsboys and Cole Swindell also donated approximately $10,000 to Harvest Hope Food Bank, which provided food for flood victims.
One of the biggest grounds entertainment attractions was Hampton Plaza’s Enter the Dinosaurs, an outdoor exhibit that included six animatronic dinosaurs, dinosaur heads and educational information.
“The exhibit received rave reviews,” said Nancy Smith, the fair’s assistant manager.
Roving entertainment included fair favorites Bandoloni, a Canadian one-man band; Amazing Rex and Dana Ryan’s Blues Brothers tribute; Dale Jones, the one-handed juggler; two-time Grammy winners Mariachi Divas, a multicultural, all-female group; and Kazual, a five-member male a capella group.
Also back again was the American Heritage Pioneer Village, which educates attendees on America’s past; Balloonopolis, which included a life-size balloon farm structure complete with a barnyard façade, animals and trees; two 75,000-ton sand sculptures; and the work of South Carolina artist Ernest “Chicken Man” Lee.
“Since we didn’t have chickens this year due to the avian influenza, we had agriculture and entertainment together in the small stock area, which worked out well,” said Smith. “This exhibit, sponsored by Backyard and Tractor Supply, educated attendees about avian influenza and also provided information for those considering raising chickens at home.”
The agricultural exhibits were moved out of the art building into a dedicated facility, while art and flower displays were combined.
“We’ve wanted to do this for years, and it dramatically changed the attractions,” said Smith. “This enabled us to expand the student art area, and it was the best it has ever been.”
The 2016 South Carolina State Fair will be held Oct. 12-23.
Interviewed for this article: Gary Goodman, (803) 799-3387; Nancy Smith, (803) 799-3387