PHOTOS: South Carolina State Fair returns to Columbia

The South Carolina State Fair returned to the fairgrounds in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 9, 2024, offering a variety of amusement rides, local vendors, food and entertainment. This year's fair theme was "46 reasons to celebrate," highlighting the 46 counties of South Carolina and welcoming visitors from around the region to mark the start of the fall season. The fair, which started in 1869, awards scholarships to college students across the state each year as part of its mission to support education. The fair will continue through Oct. 20, and tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

A view of the crowd near the rocket entrance at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 12, 2024. This year’s fair theme was "46 reasons to celebrate," which showcases each of the state's counties.

A father and son laugh after riding down the State Fair Slide at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 12, 2024. The fair, held annually in Columbia, South Carolina, offered a variety of attractions to attendees, ranging from carnival rides to petting zoos.

A young boy receives a wooden chair that was crafted during the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 12, 2024. The lumberjack show was one of the many different types of entertainment at the fair.

A mime on stilts makes bubbles for a group of children at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11, 2024. The State Fair provides several forms of entertainment for children, such as face painting, tattoos and rides.

South Carolina State Fair attendees ride the Sky Glider attraction as the sun sets at the fairgrounds on Oct. 12, 2024. The popular ride connects the north and south sides of the property, gliding visitors above the crowds.

A young girl sits up to play a game at the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 12, 2024. This year's fair offered a variety of games, rides and entertainment for attendees.

A group fair attendees ride Delusion attraction at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 14, 2024. The State Fair offered more than 50 rides, in addition to carnival games, live entertainment and local vendors.

Columbia resident Kinsley Shiver talks to her friends before the ride Cliff Hanger starts at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11, 2024. Shiver attended the event, which runs from Oct. 9-20, with two friends.

Fair attendees stare nearby the entrance to Zipper, a ride at the South Carolina State Fair, on Oct. 11, 2024. The popular attraction spins riders around in their cage while moving up and down.

A woman on stilts sprays bubbles near the slides at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 14, 2024. The woman was one of many different humorous acts roaming the fairgrounds area.

A young girl feeds pellets to a llama at the petting zoo at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 14, 2024. The zoo was free to attend, but offered guests the ability to purchase food to feed to the animals.

A young girl smiles as she plays with bubbles at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11, 2024. The State Fair, which runs from Oct. 9 to Oct. 20, is located adjacent to Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.

A group of girls play Whack-a-Mole at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 12, 2024. The State Fair welcomed visitors from across the state and Southeast region, offering dozens of attractions and live entertainment.

The Zero Gravity ride spins visitors around at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11, 2024. This year's fair offered more than 50 rides for attendees of all ages and thrill levels.