Orangeburg County Fair starts today; 4-H shows are part of the fun

The 4-H kids appreciate an audience as they show off the animals they’ve cared for and loved.

“It means a lot to them to have people watch,” said Dawn Stuckey, a 4-H agent for Colleton and Hampton counties. She was checking in animals Sunday with Laura Hair, a 4-H agent for Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.

Stuckey and Hair enjoy seeing the excitement on the children’s faces when they bring in their animals for the shows.

“They’re proud of their animals and they’re worried about leaving them,” Stuckey said.

Stuckey said that raising an animal teaches children “to be responsible for something other than themselves.

“They’ve raised it to be the premier animal in the show.”

The 4-H shows start at 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday.

Hair noted that this year AgSouth is sponsoring belt buckles for grand champions and reserve champions for each species.

Also, Farm Bureau is sponsoring scholarships which take the educational component into account.

The Orangeburg County Fair runs from Oct. 1–6.

The entertainers will include:

• Carl Brunson

• WOW! Factor science show

• Larry’s Old Tool Demonstration and storytelling

• 5 Star Farm Petting Zoo

• Rock-N-Circus

• Ready, Set, Grow

The Orangeburg County Fair expects 22 to 24 rides this year, compared to 17 to 20 in the past.

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 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.

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 cameras will be in operation.

For more information, visit: www.orangeburgfair.com