Youth admission policy at the SC State Fair has changed this year. Here’s what to know

The organizers of the South Carolina State Fair announced a change has been made to its youth admission policy as the 2024 event in Columbia draws closer.

On Wednesday, organizers said that anyone under 18 will be required to be joined by a parent (21 or older) if they wish to attend either of the Friday or Saturday sessions of this year’s S.C. State Fair. The change will be in effect all day on the Friday and Saturday sessions, according to the updated policy.

“Please familiarize yourself and your family on this new policy,” organizers said in a Facebook post.

This year’s S.C. State Fair is scheduled to start on Oct. 9, and run for 12 days through Oct. 20.

The youth admission policy for the other sessions — from Sunday through Thursday — will remain the same as prior years, organizers said. After 5 p.m. on those days, anyone under the age of 18 must be with a parent to gain access to the state fairgrounds, which is across George Rogers Boulevard from Williams-Brice Stadium.

Minors will be allowed to attend the state fair without being joined by a parent prior to 5 p.m. on those Sunday through Thursday sessions.

With the exception of the opening day and both Sunday sessions when the state fair is scheduled to open at noon, gates will open at 11 a.m. for the remaining Monday-Thursday sessions, according to the event’s website. Each session will close at 9 p.m., save for the final Sunday when 8 p.m. will mark the end of the 2024 state fair.

But organizers said that those hours are subject to change due to inclement weather or at the discretion of fair management.

In addition to the youth admission policy, organizers are also making a change to the event’s bag policy for this year’s state fair.

This year, all bags must be clear and cannot be any bigger in size than 12”x6”x12,” according to organizers. The only exceptions to the mandatory bag policy are for a diaper bag — as long as there is a baby present — as well as for those with specific medical requirements and those who have previously been approved to bring camera equipment or food because of allergies.

Forms seeking exceptions in those specific cases are available online, and must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to attending the state fair.

All approved bags will still be searched and tagged prior to their owner being admitted, organizers said.

Tickets for this year’s state fair will go on sale Sept. 10, and the presale that includes a 50% discount will run through Oct. 8. Those general admission tickets will cost $10 apiece.

Once the state fair starts, prices at the gate or online for general admission will cost $20.

Children 5 and under will be admitted for free, while admission for anyone who’s 55 or older will cost $15, save for on Oct. 16 when that specific rate will be reduced to $5.

There are separate charges for ride tickets, and those will also be available at a discounted price prior to the start of the state fair.

Banned items

A look at some things that are prohibited at the 2024 South Carolina State Fair

• Selfie sticks

• Non-clear bags

• Weapons (concealed carry or open carry are not allowed on the fairgrounds even if you are a permit holder)

• Outside food and beverages

• Pets

• Segways

• Tents (unless part of an authorized act or exhibit)

• Drones

Source: South Carolina State Fair