More food, more rides, more fun

“The board and staff have worked very hard this year to make improvements and there will be improvements in the future,” he said.

Hair said two new food vendors will serve Jamaican and Mexican cuisine.

He said the usual crowd favorites will be there, such as Netterfields, a mini donut vendor, a gyro food truck and all of the sweet treats.

Two new entertainment performances include Rock-N-Circus and Ready, Set, Grow.

Rock-N-Circus includes a show where its host, Shane Hansen, aims to wow the audience with thrilling stunts with a rock-and-roll musical theme, according to its website

Ready, Set, Grow incorporates farmer education with a magic show, juggling, puppets and audience participation, according to the show’s website.

Other entertainment featured at the fair includes:

* Carl Brunson

* WOW! Factor science show

* Larry’s Old Tool Demonstration and storytelling

* 5 Star Farm Petting Zoo

Lisko Family Midway Amusements Inc. will bring the rides.

Hair said there will be a few new rides this year, making a grand total of 22 to 24 rides.

In the past, there have been 17 to 20 rides, he said.

The fair’s theme this year is, “It’s Bloomin’ Fun.”

Hair said the theme was chosen in part to showcase the pollinator garden near the fair entrance.

The pollinator garden is partnered with the 4-H organization.

“The kids in the community came out on a Saturday and helped plant this pollinator garden,” Hair said.

Pollinator gardens attract beneficial insects that extract pollen and take it to other plants to help them grow.

“We have our ag show on Saturday, October 5,” Hair said.

“It’ll be a little bigger this year than last year,” he added, noting his appreciation to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension service and 4-H.

In addition, fair organizers have completed “A lot of work to renovate the 113-year-old exhibit building,” Hair said.

“We encourage everybody to come out in a safe and fun environment. It takes the community to support the fair. If the community doesn’t support the fair, it’s hard for us to have bigger and better things,” Hair said.

Other information about the fair:

* General admission to the fair is $10 for children ages 11 and older. Children under age 11 get in free.

All-you-can-ride days will be Tuesday through Sunday.

The rate for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday is $25.

Saturday’s rate is $30.

For the all-you-can-ride rates, fairgoers may purchase a special wristband and ride all of the rides they wish on that day at that flat rate.

* Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian age 21 or older.

At the admission gate, each parent/guardian must register themselves and the child/children accompanying them.

The parent/guardian must remain in close proximity to their registered child/children at all times while on the fairgrounds.

Armbands will be issued to the parent/guardian and the child/children they register.

* There is a mandatory clear-bag policy. Small, clear clutch-type bags – no larger than 5-inches-by-8-inches – will be permitted, Hair said.

* Law enforcement officers with the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office and Orangeburg Department of Public Safety will be on the fairgrounds at all times. In addition, video surveillance safety cameras will be in operation.

For more information, visit: www.orangeburgfair.com