Hey Charleston friends, Vagney here. 👋 When’s the last time you did something for the first time? Here’s your chance.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit South Carolina State Fair will host its first-ever free, drive-thru SC State Fair on Tues., Oct. 20 and Wed., Oct. 21. in Columbia. 🎡

Some details are still being worked out, but here’s what we know so far:

Guests will be granted free admission to drive through the fairgrounds and experience car-friendly attractions that highlight the state’s agriculture, history, arts + culture — all from the comfort and safety of their cars. Drive-thru attractions are still being planned.

Guests will also be able to drive into the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park on the fairgrounds and purchase their favorite fair foods. We’re assuming cotton candy + anything fried to delicious goodness. 🍭

But, rides won’t be on the menu this year. The organization is planning a creative, family-friendly way to experience the food, exhibits, crafts + animals. 🎉

One key exhibit will be a celebration of the State Fair’s Ride of Your Life Scholarship recipients. The State Fair supports statewide education by awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships annually to help students across South Carolina pursue their education at any public or private college, university or technical college in the state. 📚

To make this year’s redesigned State Fair experience memorable, guests are encouraged to submit stories, photos + videos of their “Prize-Winning Memories” from SC State Fairs of the past. The State Fair will share these images on social media in Oct. (they might even be seen at the drive-thru State Fair). Photos, quotes + videos can be emailed here. 📸

Stay updated about the event on the State Fair’s site + @scstatefair on Facebook.

Maybe this is our new normal? Regardless, we’re glad the State Fair is still happening, even if we experience it from our cars. 🚗

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