SC State Fair drive-thru food event returning this spring with new activities

The South Carolina State Fair is bringing back its Spring Fair Food drive-thru event for the fourth year in a row.

In addition to traditional fair food and drinks, the event has some additions it will offer to visitors for the first time.

The week-long food event will launch with a special Walk-In Kickoff Day on April 15, and culminate with Movie Nights under the stars on April 21 and 22, organizers said Wednesday in a news release.

From April 15-22, the events will be held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, across the street from Williams-Brice Stadium — home of the USC Gamecocks football team. Visitors will be able to buy Fiske fries, funnel cakes, lemonade and more.

“We are excited to bring the magic of fair food to our community with the annual Spring Fair Food (drive-thru),” South Carolina State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith said in a news release. “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.”

Entering and dining at the state fairgrounds is free, the only cost is the food.

Walk-In Kickoff Day

This year’s event will kickoff with the walk-in event, as visitors can tailgate from 3-9 p.m. on the same day as the South Carolina Garnet & Black Spring Game, which starts at 7 p.m., organizers said.

The full food and beverage lineup will be available for purchase.

On Spring Game Day, parking at the Fairgrounds is $10, but walk-ins are welcomed at no charge, and picnic tables will be available, organizers said.

Movie Nights

On the final Saturday and Sunday of the week, movie screenings will begin at 8:15 p.m., and will feature a different family-friendly film. Voting to pick the movies is open on the S.C. State Fair’s Facebook page and Instagram stories, and the winners will be announced in April.

Organizers said guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy movies under the stars, as no seating will be provided.

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.

Drive-thru

The drive-thru event was created out of necessity in 2020 as a safety precaution in the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in April 2021 and has become a staple in the spring.

“It’s proven to be a success and something our loyal patrons have come to love,” Smith said. “We’re so excited that we can add new dimensions to this now annual tradition.”

Guests will enter through Gate 6 on George Rogers Boulevard, across from Williams-Brice Stadium, and travel through the parking lot until reaching six separate lines for fair food, all containing food trucks of the same offerings, according to the release.

Visitors will not be allowed to exit their vehicles, and no pedestrians or buses will be permitted to enter the event other than on April 15, according to officials.

Cash and credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted, officials said.

Visitors will exit from Gate 10 onto Bluff Road, or now have the option of staying and eating on the fairgrounds, as a picnic area is available for the first time.

This year’s South Carolina State Fair is scheduled for Oct. 11-22.

SOUTH CAROLINA FAIR FOOD MENU

The following fair food will be available from April 15-22:

▪ Fiske fries

▪ Corn dogs

▪ Fried Oreos, cookie dough and cheesecake

▪ Sausage sandwiches

▪ Turkey Legs

▪ Funnel cakes

▪ Elephant ears

▪ Cotton candy

▪ Candy apples

▪ Caramel corn

▪ Lemonade

▪ Pepsi brand 20 oz. bottled drinks and water

SOURCE: South Carolina State Fair