South Carolina State Fair Brings New Tastes to Columbia
Columbia, S.C. — The highly anticipated South Carolina State Fair is set to kick off on October 9 at the fairgrounds located on Rosewood Drive. This year, attendees can look forward to a delightful array of nearly a dozen new food options that promise to tantalize their taste buds between rides on the carnival attractions.
Innovative Food Offerings
Among the newcomers, Bubblelicious will introduce a unique blend of sweet and savory dishes. Fairgoers can sample their signature Black Thanksgiving, which features deep-fried turkey wings accompanied by surf-and-turf fries. Another standout offering from this vendor is the Das Chicken and Waffle, along with the inventive Mac Pop Waffle.
Mr. Seafood is another highlight at this year’s fair, offering a variety of fried seafood options, including salmon bites and classic po’boys. For those craving Mexican flavors, Deep Fried Tacos will have Mexi rice bowls, loaded nachos, and their signature deep-fried tacos that are sure to satisfy.
Additionally, visitors can indulge in Korean corn dogs, which consist of hot dog slices with mozzarella cheese on a stick, all dipped in donut batter and deep-fried to perfection. These treats are then topped with a variety of sauces such as ketchup, mustard, sweet chili Thai sauce, and sriracha for an extra kick.
Sweet Treats and Unique Combos
For those with a sweet tooth, a refreshing strawberry dragon fruit lemonade will be available, blending lemonade with strawberry fruit tea and dragon fruit. There will also be deep-fried corn on a stick, featuring a 6-inch ear of corn that is battered and fried, before finishing it off with creamy mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese.
Another sweet option is the peach cobbler funnel cake, which can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon for added flavor. Foodies will also be intrigued by the poutine burger, a unique twist on traditional fare that includes a flame-grilled burger topped with fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
The Campfire Dog is a must-try, featuring a juicy all-beef hot dog with baked beans and crispy applewood bacon, evoking the spirit of a campfire cookout in each bite. Meanwhile, the Chipotle Chicken Bacon Ranch Sundae boasts a layers of garlic parmesan fries, green peppers, crumbled bacon, and grilled chicken, drizzled with chipotle ranch dressing for a spicy contrast.
Signature Items and Charity Initiatives
Another creative dish, the Funnel Dog, features a hot dog wrapped in funnel cake, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and served with maple syrup for dipping. Sweet lovers can also enjoy a deep-fried Golden Oreo, made by dipping the iconic cookie in funnel cake batter before frying.
Returning to the fair this year is the Pro Kitchen Cookie Kitchen, which offers warm chocolate chip cookies, with proceeds contributing to the South Carolina State Fair’s Ride of Your Life Scholarship Program. This initiative supports local students in their educational pursuits.
Finally, attendees can take home a piece of the fair with the Rocket Iced Tea served in a souvenir Rocket Cup, shaped like the well-known Meet-Me-at-the-Rocket landmark.
Conclusion
The South Carolina State Fair promises an exciting mix of rides and culinary adventures this year. Don’t miss out on the chance to taste all the new and delicious offerings starting on October 9!
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
