Fall is officially here, and we’re already putting together our Columbia fall bucket list. One tradition that always makes the cut? A trip to the South Carolina State Fair.

The fair returns Thursday, Oct. 15-Sunday, Oct. 25, and this year brings plenty of new reasons to make your way to the fairgrounds.

Take a spin | Hold onto your stomach; you can be among the first to ride Pegasus, a new attraction that reaches 55 ft and flips + spins 16 riders.

Come hungry | You can't make a trip to the State Fair without trying something deep-fried. Among this year’s new foods are the Reese’s Donut Burger, Fried Dubai Chocolate Truffle on a Stick, Deep-Fried Birria Taco, and Hot Blue Taki Fries.

Find more fun | Step inside Pretty Bird Paradise with 100+ parakeets, catch Palmetto Championship Wrestling Oct. 15-17, or keep an eye out for new roaming performers, including a DJ-powered Strolling Boombox and the Spoon Man.

Shop SC-made | The South Carolina Grown Marketplace is doubling its number of vendors this year. Located in the Rosewood Building, the expanded marketplace features products made, sewn, or grown across the Palmetto State.

That includes plenty of Midlands makers. Look for brands like Tailored Flavor, 22 Memory Lane, and The Purple Mushroom from Richland County, along with Lexington County businesses like 5 Barks Above and Mrs.Bea's Pickles.

What's on your fall bucket list?

The State Fair made ours. Now we want to hear from you. What Columbia-area event, tradition, food, or activity do you have to check off your list before fall is over?