South Carolina State Fair’s Spring Fair Food Drive-Through Returns April 16-22

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Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina State Fair is excited to announce its annual Spring Fair Food Drive-Through will return Sunday, April 16 through Saturday, April 22, 2023. The week-long food event, featuring a wide variety of traditional fair food and drinks, will launch with a special Walk-In Kickoff Day on Saturday, April 15, and culminate with Movie Nights under the stars. Visit SCStateFair.org/spring-fair-food/ for more information.

As one of the few fairs in the nation to present a drive-through option, the S.C. State Fair’s Spring Fair Food Drive-Through offers a unique twist on the restaurant drive-through concept — giving guests the opportunity to drive into the S.C. State Fairgrounds to purchase Fiske fries, funnel cakes, lemonade and so much more.

“We are excited to bring the magic of fair food to our community with the annual Spring Fair Food Drive-Through,” says Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair. “We know how much people look forward to enjoying their favorite fair foods each fall, and we’re thrilled to be able to satisfy those cravings during the spring season. This year, we’re looking forward to presenting more options for our visitors — from our Walk-In Kickoff Day, to dine-in picnic table seating, to our free movie nights.”

The full schedule of events are listed below.

Schedule of Events

Walk-In Kickoff Day — Saturday, April 15

Tailgate at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds! The Spring Fair Food event will kick off on Saturday, April 15, from 3-9 p.m. as a walk-in only experience. This is the perfect opportunity for football fans to grab some delicious fair food before the South Carolina Garnet & Black Spring Game, which starts at 7 p.m. The full food and beverage lineup will be available for patrons to walk-up and purchase. Tailgate at the Fairgrounds or bring the fair treats back to your tailgate party.

On Spring Game Day, parking at the Fairgrounds is $10. Those wishing to park should enter Gate 6 (901 George Rogers Boulevard), which opens at 3 p.m. Walk-ins to the Kickoff Day are welcomed at no charge starting at 3 p.m. Picnic tables will be available.

Spring Fair Food Drive-Through — Sunday, April 16 – Saturday, April 22

Between April 16-22, attendees can drive through the S.C. State Fairgrounds and indulge in some of their favorite fair foods, including delicious funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar, freshly spun cotton candy in a variety of flavors, juicy and savory corn dogs, crispy Fiske fries and refreshing lemonade. The full list of fair food and beverages include: Fiske fries, corn dogs, turkey Legs, sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, funnel cakes, elephant ears, fried Oreos, cookie dough and cheesecake, cotton candy, candy apples, caramel corn, lemonade, and Pepsi brand 20 oz. bottled drinks and water.

New this year is a picnic table area along the Bluff Road side of the S.C. State Fairgrounds, offering guests the opportunity to dine in at the event. Entering and dining at the Fairgrounds is free; your only cost is the fair food itself.

The Drive-Through is open Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Entrance is through Gate 6 on George Rogers Boulevard. Guests will then wind through the parking lot until they reach six separate lines for fair food, all containing the same offerings. This traffic pattern allows for speed and efficiency so guests can reach their yummy fair food quickly.

Movie Nights — Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22

To cap off the Spring Fair Food Drive-Through, the S.C. State Fair is also hosting free Movie Nights on Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22 at the S.C. State Fairgrounds. Movie screening will begin at 8:15 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy movies under the stars. Each evening will feature a different family-friendly movie. On March 22, vote on the S.C. State Fair’s Facebook page or Instagram stories for your favorite movie choices. Visit SCStateFair.org in April for the movie titles announcement.

Concessions will be available for purchase during the free movie nights. No cars, alcohol, outside food or pets are permitted in the movie screening area. Guests should bring their own chairs or blankets; no seating will be provided.

“Our Spring Fair Food Drive-Through was created in response to COVID-19 as a way to continue to bring fair food favorites to our community,” says Smith. “It’s proven to be a success and something our loyal patrons have come to love. We’re so excited that we can add new dimensions to this now annual tradition.”

The annual Spring Fair Food Drive-Through will take place Sunday, April 16 through Saturday, April 22, 2023, with the Walk-In Kickoff Day taking place Saturday, April 15. Visit SCStateFair.org/spring-fair-food/ for more information.

Save the Date! The South Carolina State Fair will take place October 11-22, 2023.

About the South Carolina State Fair

The South Carolina State Fair, a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was organized in 1869 and is dedicated to preserving and promoting South Carolina’s agricultural roots while supporting statewide education. In addition to the 12-day South Carolina State Fair, the charitable organization manages annual football parking, is a popular event venue and hosts Carolina Lights — Columbia’s downtown drive-through light show. The South Carolina State Fair has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships since 1997. Learn more at SCStateFair.org.

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