State Fair in Columbia Thrives Amid Rising Ticket Prices

Columbia, S.C. : The State Fair is Alive and Buzzing!

The annual South Carolina State Fair is in full swing, and it has been a lively place to be! Families and friends have flocked to Columbia to enjoy the rides, games, and delicious fair food, creating a vibrant atmosphere that fills the air with laughter and excitement. However, with the fun comes a friendly note of caution for those planning outings—this year, many fairgoers have noticed that the price tag attached to this good time seems a bit heftier than in years past.

High Spirits, Higher Prices

Take it from Kaywhon Douglas, a parent eager to create cherished memories with his children. “It’s a fun experience to get the kids out of the house,” he said. Enjoying the pleasant October weather, he added, “It’s cool, it’s not too hot, I mean I love it!” But he has also noticed how quickly the costs can climb. Kaywhon shared his thoughts cheerfully but with a hint of concern: “The tickets are high. Like, you got rides that are 19 tickets and others that are 18 tickets. You’re going to go through them fast.”

It’s not just Kaywhon expressing these sentiments. While strolling through the colorful array of booths and rides, Maria Ausburn, who brought her students along for a fun outing, recounted her own experience: “It can get very pricey very quickly because they usually come to me like, um, do you have an extra dollar or ten?”

Ticket Prices and New Features

The fair has implemented an average price of around 12 tickets per ride, which means families should prepare themselves for a budget that might just stretch a little thinner than usual. This year, though, there’s a new option on the table: a reloadable card system. According to Lynda Franc, the Marketing Director with the company managing ticket sales, this card allows attendees to load tickets onto a single card, which can be reused from year to year. “If you hold on to that card, you can use it year after year and you can actually use it at any of our events across the US,” she explained.

Understanding the Ticket System

Every year, fairgoers find themselves pondering how ticket prices are determined. Franc clarified how the ticket costs are set, stating, “It’s largely set nationally. For our ticket prices, we focus more on the rides that we’re offering and determine it from there. For more thrilling rides, it’s probably going to cost a couple of extra tickets whereas the kiddy rides are going to be around 9 tickets each.”

Planning for the Fair

Many families, like Kaywhon’s, find joy in making the fair a yearly tradition. “You save up for it,” he pointed out, emphasizing that the excitement and fun are well worth the budget. “You know it’s coming; you might as well save for it. The fair comes in October, I’m gonna save up for it!”

A Fun Experience for Everyone

Despite the rising costs, the fair remains a beloved occasion that many look forward to all year. The laughter of children, the enticing scents of fried food, the bright lights of rides—they all combine to create a magical experience that, in the end, is priceless to those who cherish the time spent with friends and family. So whether you’re planning to take a spin on the Ferris wheel or indulge in some cotton candy, remember that the joy of the fair often outweighs the expense.

So as Columbia continues to buzz with activity at the fair, it’s clear the spirit of adventure and fun are alive and well, reminding us to embrace the thrill while navigating those ticket prices!